Looking for dates and meeting times? See our Calendar.

What Is the Pinewood Derby?

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most exciting and time-honored traditions in Cub Scouting! Each year, Cub Scouts receive an Official Pinewood Derby® car kit and team up with an adult partner to turn a block of wood into a one-of-a-kind race car.

Cars race down the track for speed—but our Pinewood Derby is about so much more. We celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, teamwork, and Scout spirit, with awards for both racing and design.

Pinewood Derby Pit Stop (Kickoff Event)

We kick off Pinewood Derby season in January with our Pinewood Derby Pit Stop!

At this fun event, Scouts will:

• Receive their official Pinewood Derby car kit
• Take part in hands-on activities
• Work toward earning their Race Time Adventure
• Get inspired (and excited!) for race day

What’s in the Pinewood Derby Kit?

Each Official Pinewood Derby kit includes everything you need to get started:

• 1 wooden car block
• 4 plastic wheels
• 4 nail axles
• 1 sheet of number stickers
• Official instructions and basic rules

Building Your Pinewood Derby Car

You don’t need fancy tools or a workshop to build a great Pinewood Derby car—simple hand tools work just fine.

Adult assistance is required for cutting and drilling.
Scouts can safely:

• Design their car
• Sand the wood
• Paint and decorate
• Choose colors, themes, and decals

Need tools or advice? Just ask—a Scout is Helpful! Someone in the Pack will gladly lend a tool or a tip.

Pinewood Derby Rules (Keep It Fun!)

Our Pinewood Derby is all about family time, learning, and fun. In the spirit of the Cub Scout motto, “Do Your Best,” Scouts are encouraged to build a car they’re excited about and proud to race. Winning is exciting, but participation and pride matter most. Our goal is a fair, friendly, and fun race for all Scouts.

Please remember:

• Follow the rules included with the kit
• Maximum car height (including wheels): 3 inches
• Final car weight is set at check-in using our official scale

Have more detailed questions? View our complete Pinewood Derby rules: Pack152PWDRules.pdf

A quick reminder: the Pinewood Derby exists outside of Scouting, so online advice may not apply. All cars must follow our Pack’s rules.

Pinewood Derby Race Day – February 28

Race Day is where the fun really zooms!

Car Check-In: 2:15–2:45 PM

Please arrive on time. No cars will be accepted to the race after check-in.

What to expect:

• Cars are checked in and inspected
• After check-in, cars remain with race officials
• Scouts vote on awards
• Cars race in multiple heats
• Awards are presented at the end of the event

🏁 Speed Awards:

• 1st Place Fastest
• 2nd Place Fastest
• 3rd Place Fastest

🎨 Scout-Voted Awards:

Most Scout-Like
Covered in Scout spirit and ready for campfires, good turns, and adventure!

Best “Car That’s Not a Car”
Something you wouldn’t normally see on the road—this car uses imagination in a big way!

Most Realistic Car
So realistic it almost needs insurance.

Best Build
Every little part was carefully thought out—you can really see the hard work.