Pinewood Derby
The pack’s most logistically complex single event. Scouts partner with a parent or adult mentor to design, carve, paint, weigh, refine, and race a wooden car on a regulation track. Bonds are strengthened through the build process and Scouts take pride in their growing skills and hard work.
Overview
The Pinewood Derby is a beloved Cub Scouting tradition. The pack uses an 8-lane track where each car races once in each lane (8 rounds total), with the winner determined by lowest average time. The event draws extended family and is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Planning begins months in advance with car kit distribution and culminates in a full race day with awards for both speed and style.
Timeline / Checklist
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| December | Order car kits and Lego Derby kits (Lions) from Scout Shop |
| December | Set race date; confirm venue reservation |
| January | Distribute car kits at pack meeting or den meetings |
| January—February | Order trophies and awards (Crown Awards supplier recommended) |
| February | Distribute race rules to all families |
| March (before race) | Test track and timing system; verify AV setup (projector, screen, cables) |
| March (race day) | Setup at 8am; weigh-in at 11am; racing at noon; awards at 2pm |
| After race | Arrange year-round track storage with Committee Chair |
Event Details
Event Format
The pack uses an 8-lane track. Each car races once in each lane (8 rounds total). The winner is determined by lowest average time across all races.
Typical Schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00am | Setup (track, timing system, AV) |
| 11:00am | Car check-in and weigh-in |
| 12:00pm | Racing commences |
| 2:00pm | Award ceremony |
Light snacks, drinks, coffee, and pizza are typically available for purchase. Families are welcome to bring their own food. Grandparents and extended family are encouraged to attend.
Awards
Race Awards:
- First, Second, Third place overall in the Pack
- Den-level placement awards
- Participation medal for every Scout
Style / Superlative Awards:
- Most Realistic
- Fastest Looking
- Best Car That’s Not a Car
- Most Colorful
- Most Humorous
- Most Creative
- Best In Show
- Most Scout Spirit
- Hottest Car
Car Rules
The pack follows the official BSA Pinewood Derby Rules.
Car Specifications:
- Width: 2-3/4”
- Length: 7”
- Weight: Not over 5 ounces
- Width between wheels: 1-3/4”
- Bottom clearance between car and track: 3/8”
- Wheelbase: at least 4 inches
Key Rules:
- Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles permitted
- Only dry lubricant (graphite) permitted — no oil or wet lubricants
- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited
- Car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices
- Car body may have no moving parts (exterior or weights)
- Car must have been made during the current Pack year
- The entire car must stage behind the starting pin
- Official number must be clearly visible on the car
Inspection: All cars must pass inspection at check-in. Cars out of compliance will be given time to make adjustments before racing. After final approval, cars are impounded and may only be handled by Pit Crew volunteers.
Parent Note: Please assist your Scout as they design and build their car. This is a Scout event — please do not build the car for them. Each rank has a Pinewood Derby-related elective adventure.
Venue History
| Year | Date | Venue | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 14 | La Salle Institute, Troy, NY | TBD |
| 2025 | March 23 | The Wire Event Center, Coxsackie, NY | [vacant] |
| 2024 | March 2 | The Wire Event Center, Coxsackie, NY | Rick Johnson |
| 2022 | March 5 | The Hanger, Albany Shaker Rd | Dave Coup |
| 2021 | March 27 | Crossgates Mall | Dave Coup |
Current Venue (2026): La Salle Institute, Troy, NY — has projectors/screens, kitchen, chairs, and free venue space.
Costs & Budget
Typical expenses include car kits, Lego Derby kits for Lions, trophies/awards ($250—400), and venue rental. The 2025 event had a $784 net cost. Baked goods sales at the event help offset costs. The pack is exploring a SABIC grant for updated race software and laptop.
Trophy Supplier: Crown Awards — cheaper than Red River Trophy & Engraving, delivers unbroken in days.
Equipment & Software
- 8-lane Pinewood Derby track with electronic timing system
- GrandPrix race management software
- Laptop, projector, screen, extension cords, AV cables
- Scales for weigh-in
- Track storage coordinated with Committee Chair year-round
Leadership
Pinewood Derby Chair is a committee position requiring:
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Youth Protection Training
- Pack Committee Challenge training
Responsibilities: Purchase/distribute kits, set date/venue, develop/distribute rules, set up track and timing system, manage car check-in, empanel Best in Show judges, run the race, coordinate track storage.
Coordination
- The Pinewood Derby Coordinator is the overall event lead, managing all aspects from kit distribution through race day
- The Committee Chair handles facility reservation and year-round track storage
- The Advancement Chair coordinates awards, trophies, and Best in Show judging
- The Program Chair coordinates with the pack calendar to avoid conflicts
Roles Involved
- Pinewood Derby Coordinator — overall event lead and track management
- Committee Chair — facility reservation and year-round track storage
- Advancement Chair — awards, trophies, and Best in Show judging coordination
- Program Chair — coordinates with pack calendar