Pinewood Derby
The Pinewood Derby is a racing event where Scouts (assisted by their Parents, Guardians, and Adult Leaders), compete with other Scouts by building their own cars out of wood. The cars are raced down a track in "heats". Cars that are raced must meet certain specification in order to qualify and are weighed and judged "race ready" prior to participating in any heats.
Cub Master Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, held on May 15, 1953, in Manhattan Beach, California, by Pack 280c. Murphy's son was too young to participate in the popular Soap Box Derby races, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the full-size Soap Box Derby cars, but were much smaller and easier to build. After Don Murphy's first race in 1953, the Los Angeles County Department of Recreation copied the pinewood derby with Murphy's permission. (source)
In the 1980s, the design of the block was changed from a cutout block, consistent with a 1940's style front-engined Indy 500 car, to a solid block. The tires were also changed from narrow, hard plastic, to wider "slicks". (source)
Today, the Pinewood Derby is all about teamwork. The Scout is not expected to design, build, and race their car by themselves, nor is the Parent or Adult Leader expected to do all the work for them. By forming a "racing team", the Parent and Adult Leader help the Scout in the "Pit" and design area, help them with tools, and the crafting of the vehicle. Emphasis on the "help". The Scout is ultimately the lead and should be highly encouraged to direct any and all decisions on the car. The Parents and Adult Leaders are there to assist, guide, and encourage.
Awards will be given to the Top 3 (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) fastest cars in the Derby and the Top 3 customized cars in the Best "Spruced" competition. All Scouts will be awarded a participation ribbon.
Pack 57 Official Pinewood Derby Race Rules
The official rules (in PDF format, Adobe Reader required) contains all the specification the Scout's Pinewood Derby car must meet in order to qualify for races.
Pack 57 Best "Spruced" Pinewood Car
Speed is not everything. Sometimes chrome outshines even the fastest of cars. For those Scouts who prefer to focus on style, the Best "Spruced" Pinewood Car is for them. This contest is all about customization and tricking out a simple block of wood into a fancy looking street machine!
There are no rules or regulations for this part of the contest. The only limiting factors are your imagination! Add custom parts from other models if you like and really bulk it up! It might help the Scout to think of a "theme" and then design their car around that.
There are no height or weight restrictions for the Best "Spruced" competition.
Note that Scouts can participate in both the Best "Spruced" Pinewood Car and Pinewood Derby contest, but in order to do so, their Pinewood card must meet the specifications noted in the official Derby Race rules.
Leader and Parent Class
Why should Scouts have all the fun? This special class is for Leaders and Parents only! Purchase a Pinewood Derby kit and design your own car alongside your Scout, share customization tips and tricks, and high-five each other in the winner's circle! The rules are the same for the Leader and Parents as they are for the Scouts.
If you have any questions about the Derby, contact your Scout's Den Leader.
Past Derby Results