Pinewood Derby

The Ultimate Racing Experience!

Event Schedule

🕐

Car Check-In

Friday Evening

Bring your completed car for official check-in and weigh-in. Cars must meet all requirements for their category.

🏁

Race Day

Saturday

The main event! Watch as all cars compete for the fastest times and coolest designs.

Race Categories

Choose your racing category and build your dream car!

Standard BSA Rules

Scouts Only

Requirements:

  • Must use official BSA Pinewood Derby kit chassis
  • Cannot exceed official size dimensions (see specifications below)
  • Must meet official weight limit (5.0 oz maximum)
  • All four wheels must touch the track
  • Gravity-powered only (no springs, motors, or propellants)
  • Creativity encouraged! Add paint, decals, and decorations as desired
Note: This is the traditional Pinewood Derby experience. Scouts can customize their cars with any decorations, modifications, and designs as long as they stay within size/weight limits and use the BSA chassis.

Speeders & Cheaters

Powered Bracket

Anything Goes (Almost):

  • Any non-explosive propellant allowed
  • Rockets, CO2, compressed air - get creative!
  • Rubber bands, springs, and wind-up mechanisms permitted
  • Modified wheels and tires allowed
  • Custom chassis designs welcome
  • Must still fit on the track
Safety First: No explosives, pyrotechnics, or dangerous materials. All powered cars subject to safety inspection.

Speeders & Cheaters

Unpowered Bracket

Gravity-Powered Innovation:

  • Gravity-powered only (no alternative propulsion)
  • All other "cheating" modifications allowed
  • Custom wheels, bearings, and axles
  • Aerodynamic designs and modifications
  • Non-BSA chassis permitted
  • Weight and size limits may be exceeded (within track constraints)
Goal: Build the fastest gravity-powered car without BSA restrictions. See what engineering can do!

Official Specifications

Standard BSA Car Dimensions

  • Maximum Length: 7 inches
  • Maximum Width: 2.75 inches
  • Maximum Weight: 5.0 ounces
  • Wheel Base: 1.75 inches (BSA standard)
  • Ground Clearance: Sufficient to allow free rolling

Track Details

Detailed track specifications coming soon!

  • Track Height: TBD
  • Track Length: TBD
  • Number of Lanes: TBD
  • Lane Width: TBD

Measurements will be added before the event

Awards & Prizes

🏆

Fastest Per Rank

Top speed winner from each Cub Scout rank (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos)

⚡

Fastest Overall

The absolute fastest car across all categories and ranks

🎨

Best in Show

Most creative, unique, or impressive car design

Building Resources & Tips

Check out these helpful guides and videos to build your best car!

Official BSA Resources

Helpful YouTube Guides

Quick Building Tips

  • Sand and polish axles to reduce friction
  • Align wheels perfectly straight
  • Add weight to reach maximum (place toward rear for speed)
  • Lubricate axles with graphite or approved lubricant
  • Test your car on a ramp before race day
  • Make sure all wheels spin freely

Ready to Race?

Start building your car today and join us for the ultimate Pinewood Derby experience!

View Calendar for Dates