Pinewood Derby

Car-Cutting Workshop:

The Scout Shop on 1960 hosts an event where they will cut cut the wood for you. It is usually best if you have your design already drawn on your car in pencil (side and top).  Your scout can draw practice designs using this sheet.

When:  Saturday, Jan. 25 (same day as Scouting for Food)
Time:  10:00am until early afternoon (once scouts stop coming)
Where:  Scout Shop on 1960

Pinewood Derby Rules:

Here are the official Pinewood Derby Rules for Pack 217.  Below are the basics:

• Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.

• Length shall not exceed 7 inches.

• Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.

• IMPORTANT: There needs to be a minimum of 3/8 inches clearance from the bottom of the car and the track surface.

• Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit or BSA colored derby wheels from the BSA store.

• Wheels may not be shaved or reduced in diameter or width.

• Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

• No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.

• The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.

• The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

• No loose materials of any kind are allowed on the car.

• Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted.

Competition Details:

• The track has four lanes and there will be four rounds of racing.

• Each car will race four times during the event (once per lane and once per round).

  • First round races are grouped by Den.

  • Second-Fourth rounds are grouped by average speed of previous rounds (fast with fast and slow with slow).

• Overall placing is determined by the lowest average race time between all four rounds.

• Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of the overall pack and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for each Den

• All scouts will race throughout the entire event.

• After the Scout Class race, there will be a separate race for Open Class.

  • Informal racing for siblings, parents, past scouts, illegal cars, etc.

• The most important values in Pinewood Derby competition are parent/child participation, good sportsmanship, and learning how to follow rules. 

Pinewood Derby Tips:

• The child and adult should make the car together as a project! It is not the intent that the parent shows the child the garage door and then walks away; nor is it the intent that the child plays video games while the adult cuts and sands. Parents should shape with the power tools and then direct the rest of the action while showing the child each step in building a car.

• Have fun! After all, this is what it is all about.

• Know the rules. Being disqualified can be very embarrassing.

• Safety first. Let’s not lose any fingers.

• Your scout can draw practice designs using this sheet.