Pinewood Derby
2008 Trailblazer District
Pinewood Derby
Who: Top three cars from each pack
Where: To be determined
When:To be determined
Pinewood Derby Car Specifications
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All racers, regardless of division, must comply with the following racing specifications:
- Body - The body in the official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit must be used. It may be shaped, hollowed out, or built up from the original block, as long as it meets all other specifications. Any additions to the original body (driver, weights, etc.) must be firmly attached.
- Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4".
- Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7".
- Axle: The car width at the wheels may not be modified; The car must be 1 ¾ inches wide at the axles.
- Weight: Finished car can not weigh more than 5 ounces. The weight shown on the Official Race Scale is final. All car parts and materials must be firmly attached. To increase the car's weight, add wood or metal only.
- Wheels & Axles: Use only the wheels and axles from the box. You can polish the axles. You may lightly sand the wheels to remove the molding seam on the tread. No other wheel changes are allowed. Wheel bearings, washers, bushings, rubber tubing, or springs are prohibited. Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted. No reductions in their width or diameter, or in their shape are allowed.
- Lubrication: Use dry powdered graphite ONLY. You may not use any other lubricant, especially oils and silicone sprays. No graphite may be applied after car inspection.
- Springing: The car shall not ride on any type springs.
- Details: Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, or interior detail are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and height specifications.
- Attachments: The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.
- Inspection: Each Car must pass inspection by the Committee before it may compete. The Inspectors have the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet specifications by race time.
- Car Numbers - A car number will be assigned during registration and a label with this number will be affixed to the top of each car.
A little Pinewood History
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that boys make with help from their families and then race in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a regulation track. The pinewood derby is an annual event in most packs. It can be run indoors or outdoors. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.Cubmaster Don Murphy organized the first Pinewood Derby, which was raced 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. he asked the Management Club at North American Aviation to sponsor a miniature racing event for his Cub Scout pack that he had named a "pinewood derby." The club agreed to pay for the wood and other materials. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the full-size Soap Box Derby cars, but were much smaller and easier to build.
In the 1980s, the design of the block was changed from including a cutout consistent with a 1940's style front-engined Indy 500 car to a solid block, and the tires were changed from narrow, hard plastic to wider "slicks". Blocks can be whittled with a hand knife, but this is dangerous for young boys (source: personal experience). It is usually better for a trained adult to use a band saw or Dremel carving tool for major shaping. Decals can be bought at scout shops. It is also possible to use standard model decals to replicate actual racing cars such as Richard Petty's 1970 Plymouth Superbird. The original style is based on open wheel cars, however, fender or body kits are available, or wheels can simply be placed outboard of the body.
Other than the previous basic design rules, the scout is able to carve and decorate the car as he chooses. Many scouts also add weights to the final design to bring the car to the maximum allowable weight. Cars typically vary from unfinished blocks to whimsical objects, to accurate replicas of actual cars. The fastest cars tend to resemble low doorstops, with weight at the rear. Graphite is usually the only lubricant allowed, while it often helps to polish the provided nails.
Some on line sites with tips and hints
Design Tips, Race Management concepts and charts, Racing Method Evaluation concepts, and a Pinewood Derby book (published online).
Racing charts, racing plans, chart analysis software, car configuration experiments and construction tips
Pinewood derby resource for racers, parents and leaders with hints on car building and running your derby.
Information, resources and race management software for conducting Awana Grand Prix, Pinewood Derby, Kub Kar Rally, and other similar races. Includes plans and links to build your own electronic finish line sensor system, start light "Christmas" tree system, scale information, and much more.
The Stearns Method for Pinewood Derbies allows each Cub to race the same number of races as all other competitors and still determine the fastest cars. Give it a try - you'll find that the Cubs love it!
The Pinewood Derby Page currently contains some information on awards, the cars, the track, a Pinewood Derby software program for managing the racing, and a feedback section. We have added access to track plans and finish line information and free websites for pinewood derby races.
A site built by the Rattlers Webelo Den, (Jscript help from leaders) it includes car photos, tips, original songs, a wizard who predicts if you'll win and a madlib typetip generator
Very fast formica covered with electronic start/finish line. Has a device to safely stop cars without damaging them. We call it "gasoline alley"
Tips for designing and building a winning pinewood derby car.
A comprehensive derby site with information, advice, and resources for derby participants, parents, and planners. Includes photos of unusual derby cars, track plans, speed and appearance tips, race methods, and links/addresses for various derby resources.
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