Overview
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Most packs have a pinewood derby every year. It can be run indoors or outdoors. Every boy can design and build his own “grand prix” car to enter in the race.
Note: Siblings, uncles, grandpas that are not scouts are invited to build their own cars as well. They will be raced separately from the cub scouts.
Key Dates
- Free car at either Clinic
- Pinewood Derby Design & Build Clinics (2 this year)
- Pinewood Derby – Weigh In 2/6/2016 9 to 10 am
- Pinewood Derby – Big Race 2/6/2016 10 to 2 pm
Competition and Prizes
Each family that competes in a Cub Scout derby follows a set of simple, easy rules. The winners get prizes, and every boy is recognized for taking part. Always remember that in Cub Scouting, it’s more important to “Do Your Best” than to come in first. The big thing about a derby isn’t the competition or the prizes. It’s the fun you and your family will have.
You can find more about derbies in the Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Guidebook No. 33721.
Where to Buy Cars
- At the January 13th Clinic/pack meeting for $5 (free for registered scouts)
- Catch Darrin O’Connel or Jeff Roggenbuck at school drop off or pickup
- At the Scout Stores:
– The Scout Store in Troy at 1155 East Long Lake Road, Troy 248-253-9596
– Nankins Hobby 33350 W.9mile Rd Farmington 248-919-0040
Volunteers
- Darrin O’Connel MC and Event coordinator
- TBD – Assistant Pinewood Derby Coordinator
- TBD – Food Coordinator
- TBD – Weigh in Coordinator
- Need Track Coordinator (Just during event)
- Need Heat Coordinator (Just during event)Please visit the individual event pages for a more detailed list of where you can help out the 2015 Pine wood Derby
Numbers for your race car
Please find your name in the number assignment lists below and have them clearly visible on the top of your car. Sibling or friends numbers are based off your number. For example if you a car 20 then dads car is 120, sisters is 220, uncles 320. If we somehow missed your name please contact Darrin O’Connell
Pinewood Derby Templates
- Looking for a blank template to start your design print page 1 of this pdf
- Some great free designs from Derby Monkey Garage here.
Car construction rules from the “Cub Scout Leader How-To Book” (BSA No. 33832).
- Width shall not exceed 2-1/4 inches.
- Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
- Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
- Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit.
- 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 ki, nd are allowed in the car.