Pinewood Derby
The Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scout Classic! Started in the 1950s, it has become one of the hallmark events on any Cub Scout Pack’s calendar. Each scout is given a kit that contains 1 pine block, 4 plastic wheels, and 4 nail axles. If you did not receive your kit or are missing parts, contact your Den Leader or Cubmaster. All these parts should be used in your build.
The Pinewood Derby is more than race day itself; it is the time working with and supporting your Scout to design and build their car as well as helping them transform their ideas into reality. There are plenty of resources online to help with design ideas, cutting templates, science of weight placement, wheel and axle polishing and lubricants and the list goes on. Just keep in mind as you reference online resources, your Scout’s car needs to conform to our Pack's rules and build tolerances outlined in the rules sheet. Each pack has different rules on what is permitted for their race.
If you lose or break parts, let the Cubmaster know. We have a limited supply of extra parts available.
The Build Instructions, included with the car kits, is available here.
Pack 843 Rules
Please review and ensure that your car is in compliance with the Pack 843 Rules. Each Pack has variations on rules. Every idea, hack and trick you find on the internet is not legal for our Pack. Any car that does not meet the rules on race day will be disqualified from trophies.
Car Cutting
A band saw is a great tool for cutting Pinewood Derby cars. If you don’t have access to a bandsaw, then a coping saw will work with a little more effort and can be purchased at Home Depot/Lowes for $10-15. You might also check around with other Pack families that might have saws to borrow. Some local hardware stores offer cutting for no charge (list below). You would just need to have the cuts marked on the block before taking it to them. Call to make sure of hours their cutting services are available.
Woodcraft (1077 Bethel Road, 614-273-0488)
Roush Hardware - Westerville (609 S. State Street, 614-882-3623)
Zettler Hardware - Powell (4102 W Powell Rd, 614-792-9080)
Weighting Tips
Pinewood Derby Cars can be a max of 5 oz. Once cut down, the pine block will be under that weight. Scouts should look to add weigh to their car to have it be competitive. Ideas for weights include:
weights manufactured specifically for Pinewood Derby cars (see Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Scout Shop)
scrap pieces of metal from other household projects
screws, bolts, nuts, and/or washers
coins
Weights can be added anywhere on the car. Do some research to find the optimal placement points on the car body.
When affixing weight to the bottom of the car, esure there is enough clearance to not interfere with the cars ability to roll on the track rails. Weights can be recessed in the car body. Be creative!
Test Track at Scout Shop
If your scout is eager to see their car go or wants to test the car, SKC typically has a track set up in the Scout Shop for test runs in January and February. Call prior to going to ensure it is assembled and available for use. (614) 481-4270
Scout Shop is at 807 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212. (behind Lennox near OSU)
Pinewood Derby Hub
Some ideas, inspiration, and a good video from Mark Rober (NASA engineer turned YouTuber) on some of the physics behind Pinewood Derby - just remember some of his suggestions go against our Pack rules; 3 wheels, bent axle for example.
Pack 843 Tune-Up Night
Tune-up Night is a chance to weigh and measure your car on the official race scales and make any final adjustments. Scouts should bring any additional weights, graphite, etc they may need. Some basic tools will be available.
This is not required event. Scouts are encouraged to come as there is limited time to make adjustments at race day check-in. All car weights will be based on the single race scale. You are welcome to use a personal scale at home, but scales may very slightly, especially when we are talking about adding in every last ounce of weight without going over the limit.
Scouts will not leave their cars on Tune-Up Night. Official car check-in will be race day.
Check BAND for Tune-Up Night details.