What is the Pinewood Derby?
The Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scout car race where Scouts build a 7-inch wood toy car and race it down a sloped track.
Where to get your car kit:
Scouts may pick up their free car kit at Cutting & Construction Day or from their den leader at a den meeting.
Siblings of Cub Scouts (5th grade or younger) are encouraged to participate too! We have a special Siblings race category. You can pick up a sibling's car kit at the same time as your Cub Scout's car.
Cutting & Construction Day:
Saturday, February 3, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
STM Scout House. We will have adults working band saws and belt sanders to rough cut the wood blocks.
Inspection and Car Check-In:
Friday, February 23, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Old Gym at St. Thomas More
Stop by anytime to drop off your car and register. The process usually takes 5-10 minutes. If parents cannot attend, please give the car to another friend or den leader to register on your behalf.
Race Day:
Saturday, February 24, 9:00 AM -12:30 PM (approx.)
Old Gym at St. Thomas More
Dress Code: Field Uniform “Class A” and Pack 99 t-shirts for family and friends
2024 TROPHY CATEGORIES
Trophies will be awarded at the Blue and Gold Banquet in May. There are up to 30 trophies in play.
Speed awards (for Scouts):
Fastest cars overall in the pack - 1st place (Grand Prix Champion), 2nd place, 3rd place
Fastest cars by rank - 1st, 2nd, 3rd place (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light)
Turtle award - slowest car overall in the pack
Speed awards (for Siblings):
Sibling champions - 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Judged awards (for Scouts and Siblings):
Most Patriotic
Most Like a Real Car
Most Scout Like
Most Flashy
Most Like an Animal - new for 2024!
RULES
CAR SPECIFICATIONS (maximum):
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″
Pack 99 follows the rules provided by the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. All cars must pass inspection during pre-registration in order to be qualified to race for a trophy prize.
1. Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted. Scouts must use the kit that Pack 99 provides them.
The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels.
Drilled holes may be used for the axles instead of the furnished slots, however, extending the wheelbase is not allowed.
The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or lubricated with dry graphite only.
The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired.
2. Only dry lubricant is permitted.
3. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
4. The car shall not ride on springs.
5. Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.
6. The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices.
7. All four wheels must run on the track.
8. Each car must pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make adjustments.
9. The official race scale used at inspection shall be considered final.
10. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.
11. Scouts may race only cars built for this year’s event (not from previous Pinewood Derby races or cars built for other competitions).
2023 Cars
Download the 2023 printable picture catalog of all the amazing Pinewood Derby cars made by our Scouts.
Pinewood Derby, February 25, 2023 St. Thomas More
Resources
What is the Pinewood Derby? https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/pinewood-derby/162603/pinewood-derby-questions/
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool Looking Pinewood Derby Car: https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/10-tips-and-tricks-to-a-fast-and-cool-looking-pinewood-derby-car.html
How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car: https://scoutlife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/2952/speed-secrets/
Amazing Pinewood Derby Car Designs: https://scoutlife.org/hobbies-projects/pinewood-derby/162850/amazing-pinewood-derby-car-designs-of-2019/
How to Paint a Pinewood Derby Car:
How to Paint Your Pinewood Derby Car (abc-pinewood-derby.com)
Paint, decals, etc. may be purchased at the Scout Shop, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or any local craft shop.
Google “pinewood derby car ideas” and look for tips on YouTube!