WHAT IS PINEWOOD DERBY?
THE SCIENCE OF PINEWOOD DERBY
Pack 995 Pinewood Derby
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. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race. The Cub Scouts compete in two ways: Design and Speed.
The race is held across 3 divisions with Design and Speed competitions for each:
The Scout Derby - the fastest cars qualifying for the District Pinewood Derby (if applicable)
The Scouts start by competing at a den level
The top 3 cars from the den level, then go on to compete at the pack level
The Parent Derby - The parents compete with slightly different rules cheating their way to contested victory. Life is not fair kids. Live with it.
The Sibling Derby - Scout brothers and sisters through fifth grade can enter their own cars.
Race Day Overview
Race Schedule
The Derby is held at the Hidden Hills Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Impounding (i.e., weigh-in and dimension check) is held day or two before race. Race day schedule is announced in advance. Race starts once we get all cars logged into the computer. See Pack Calendar for race days. Snacks, lunch foods, and drinks, when feasible, are available as a fundraiser. This is a family event so bring the grandparents, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who might enjoy the race.
Equal Ground
All entries in the derby will start with the "Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" which includes the body, 4 axles, and 4 wheels. All nine pieces MUST be used before the car can race. The kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. All active Scouts will receive a kit as a Christmas present in December. Parent and siblings are on their own. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. The complete set of rules will be available at the Derby Workshops. Please don't worry about the small print specifically worded to exclude the leaders from some or all of the rules.
Derby Workshops
There will be several opportunities to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a mean lean well-decorated racing machine. We will announce dates and times for the workshops once we get the parents lined up who will be supervising the shop tools. The boys are not permitted to use power tools but they are encouraged to design the shape of their cars, sand them, and decorate them accordingly. Parents are encouraged to assist the child but they should let the child do most of the work.
Prizes and Recognition
The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware. Especially the leaders who battle and fudge and manipulate their way to the oh so awesome victory lane for that oh so elusive glass of milk.
Pack 995 Pinewood Derby Official Rules
You can read the official rules for Pinewood Derby for Pack 995 here.
Pack 995 PWD Introduction Video Call