Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting. Every year more than a million boys and parents team up to carve, decorate, weigh, adjust, fret over, and finally race a Pinewood Derby car. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280 of Manhattan Beach, California, and more than 95 million Pinewood Derby model car kits have been sold. The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn good sportsmanship, and to have fun.

Workshop Day

Race Day

Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: TBD

We will have possible design patterns and band saws available.

All scouts MUST have a parent or other adult with them during the workshop. Scouts are NOT allowed to use the power tools.

We will also be collecting donations for Scouting for Food benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank. Please bring a non-perishable food item (or items) to donate.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time: 11:00am

Each Scout will present their car for Inspection. If the car fails, the Inspectors tell the Scout the exact problem(s). Changes can be made at the Pit table. A Scout must return to the end of the line to resubmit a car. After approval, the car is assigned a No. that is entered into the Racing Log. The Scout must state their first name, last name initial and Den. The Race Log No. stickers are placed on the top of the car and on the Scout’s shirt. The car is then quarantined to a Starter Table for display. Participants (or related parties) should not touch any car on display.

All of the Winners are asked to participate in a group picture session immediately following the final awards ceremony.

The Inspection Team has the right to disqualify those cars that do not meet the appropriately dated construction rules. Car owners will be informed of violations and given an opportunity to modify the car to pass inspection. Owners must return to the end of the registration line to resubmit cars. At the conclusion of the 1st round, all unresolved disqualifications are final. If an appeal is sought, the majority vote of the Derby Committee is final. Unsportsmanlike conduct may be cause for disqualification.

Derby Rules - The Basics

Click Here for Complete Rules

All cars must be newly built by the Scout in the current scout year.
With the exception of weights and decorative items, only parts contained in the "Official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" or the “Official Wheel/Axle Kit” may be used.
The width of the car should not exceed 2 ¾” and the length should not exceed 7".
The total weight of the car cannot exceed 5 ounces.
Due to the track design, there must be a minimum clearance under the car of 3/8" and the height cannot exceed 4".
All four wheels must touch the track and each wheel must have an independent axle (nail).

Centennial District Race

The Centennial District will hold its race in April, 2025. More details will be forthcoming closer to the race date.

The TOP 3 finishers from the Pack are eligible to participate in the District Race. Additionally, our Pack's "Best Design" will be able to compete with other Packs' design winners at the District Race.

Centennial District Race Rules

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