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A Short History

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California. The Pinewood Derby was referenced in a Scout publication for the first time in the October, 1954 issue of Boy's Life Magazine. "Wheels, Wings and Things" was listed as a theme in the June, 1955 Program Helps. The Cub Scout Program Quarterly gave instructions for running a Pack Meeting Derby. The first Pinewood Derby Kits were available from the Supply Division's catalogs - a package of 8 kits sold for $2.75! Over 15 million kits were sold during the next 20 years. Today, over 81 million Pinewood Derby car kits have been sold. The Pinewood Derby event is also known as the "Shape N Race Derby" in the Christian Service Brigade, and the "Kub Kar Rally" in Canada's Scouting organization.

~ Pack 273 Pinewood Derby ~
==============

The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help Cub Scouts build a team relationship with their parent or partner, experience a sense of accomplishment, learn good sportsmanship, and enjoy the fun and excitement of competition.

The model cars are built from a kit which contains a wooden block (pinewood), four wheels and four nails (axles). Under the guidance of their parents or helpers the Scouts shape, sand, paint and decorate their cars to their own liking. Then the Scouts assemble their cars according to specific dimensions and weight requirements as set forth in the Official Rules (see below).

The cars run down a special race track. Our pack uses two 3 lane tracks running simultaneously - one track for the Wolf / Bear division and one track for the Webelos division, although this can change from year to year. All cars must be free wheeling with no stored energy, propelled only by gravity.

This year's Pack 273 Pinewood Derby will be held on Friday, March 18th, 2005. It will feature the "Official Cub Scout Race" for the Scouts and then an "Open Division Race" for the "adult kids."

Trophies will be awarded in the following divisions:

• Tiger/WOLF / BEAR Division (combined)
1st *, 2nd & 3rd Place

• WEBELOS Division

1st *, 2nd & 3rd Place

• GRAND CHAMPION - * The first place cars from each division will race for the Grand Championship. The winner will receive the Grand Champion award. The loser will receive the first place award for his division. The Grand Champion will not receive a first place division award.

• OPEN DIVISION - Winner of Open Division Race

Other prizes will be awarded in the Wolf / Bear and Webelos divisions for:

  • Best Design
  • Best Detail
  • Best Use of Color
  • Most Creative
  • Most Unusual
  • Funniest

All scouts participating in the derby will receive either a patch or a pin.

What Are The Rules?

The reason this question gets asked so often is because of the confusion encountered in interpreting the guidelines for Pinewood Derby racing found in various BSA publications. These guidelines can be found in the following publications:

"Cub Scout Leader How to Book" (BSA No. 33831)
"Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Guidebook" (BSA #33721)
"Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" (BSA Kit No. 17006)

They are called "guidelines" and not "rules" because each pack organization can establish whatever rules it wants for conducting their Pinewood Derby race. All Pinewood Derbies are similar in their operation, but the "Official Rules" vary among different pack organizations.

The Pinewood Derby Committee (PDC)

In an effort to allay any confusion about how we will be conducting our Pinewood Derby this year, Pack 273 has established the Pinewood Derby Committee (PDC). The main responsibilities of the PDC are:

In addition, the PDC will be called upon to settle any disputes which may arise regarding any aspects of the rules or racing. The decision of the PDC regarding any disputes will be final.

The Official Pack 273
2005 Pinewood Derby
Rules and Procedures

Official Cub Scout Race
Car Building Rules / Specifications
All cars must pass inspection to qualify for the race.
All cars must comply with the following racing specifications:
  1. The car must be constructed from the official BSA Pinewood Derby Car Kit given to each Scout by the pack.
  2. The car must have been made during the current year (the school year in which the Derby is held).
  3. The width of the car must not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
  4. The length of the car must not exceed 7 inches.
  5. The wheelbase of the car may not be modified, it must be the same as the official kit.
  6. The weight of the car must not exceed "5 ounces" *** as weighed on the official scale ***. (see footnote)
  7. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in the car. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal only, provided the material is securely built into the body.
  8. Axles and wheels shall be as provided in the official BSA Pinewood Derby Car Kit. No substitute wheels or axles will be allowed.
  9. Wheels bearings, washers, hub caps and bushings are not permitted.
  10. Modifications to the wheels or axles are not allowed. Wheels may not be altered in any way that would change their dimensions except to polish for "truing." Do not cut or mold the wheels in any way or your car will be disqualified.
  11. The car must not ride on any kind or type of springs.
  12. Details such as the steering wheels, driver, decals, painting, and interior detail are permissible as long as the addition of these details does not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.
  13. The car must be freewheeling with no stored energy or movable weights. No starting devices or pushing allowed.
  14. Only graphite or other DRY lubricant will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. No spray lubricants or oils of any kind.
***The official scale will be a triple beam balance scale weighing in grams.
Please note that 5 ounces converts to 141.74 grams.
General Rules
  1. Only registered Pack 273 Scouts may participate and only one car per Scout is allowed. Several cars may be built but only one car may be registered and raced.
  2. Cars may not be altered in any way after they have been registered for inspection. Some repairs will be allowed during the Derby only if they do not delay the race, but no modifications!
  3. Use only the wood block, wheels and nails furnished in the kit provided by the pack.
  4. Cars constructed for previous Pinewood Derbies are not eligible to compete.
  5. The official race number (affixed by the inspection official) must remain on the car until after all races are complete.
  6. The winner is determined by the car whose nose crosses the finish line first.
  7. Cars with wet or sticky paint will not be accepted.
  8. Any car not meeting the specifications listed will not be allowed to race.
  9. Boys who are unable to appear at the race due to schedule conflicts may still participate through a proxy. The proxy may be an adult leader, parent or guardian, sibling, or another Cub Scout. In order to participate by proxy, the Cub Scout must receive prior approval from the PDC.
Racing Ground Rules
  1. Only Pinewood Derby officials and Scouts involved in the current heat(s) will be allowed inside the racing area. This will minimize the possibility of damage to the cars and allow for viewing by the entire Pack.
  2. Only Pinewood Derby officials will be allowed to place the cars on the track.
  3. Any race in which there is a tie will be rerun.
  4. A car that jumps off the track or interferes with another car shall be moved to a different lane and the heat run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, the car loses the heat. If a car jumps off the track more than twice, it will be disqualified.
  5. If a car breaks down the scout will be allowed to fix his car before the start of its next scheduled heat. If the car is not fixed in time it will lose the heat. If this loss is the car's first the scout may continue working on his car until the start of his car's next scheduled heat. If the car is not fixed in time for the start of its next scheduled heat, and the car has already sustained a loss, the car is eliminated.
  6. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND BEHAVIOR IS EXPECTED. Race Officials may ask anyone not following this rule to leave.

Special Instructions (dates subject to change)

  1. All racers (Scouts and Open Division) must turn in their completed cars to David Guilford by Saturday afternoon, March 12, 2005, for inspection. Cars must be identified with the racer's name and den number.
  2. Scout cars turned in after March 12 will not be eligible to race in the Scout divisions. This is necessary in order to be fair to the other Scouts who turned in their cars on time. This also is needed to allow the PDC adequate time to inspect the cars.
  3. Scout cars received after March 12, 2005, can race in the Open Division ($5 donation). Note: the $5 will be forfeited if the car does not pass inspection.
  4. No cars will be accepted on race day.

Open Division

There will be a separate "Open Division Race" for the adult kids, after the "Official Cub Scout Race." This division is open to anyone who would like to build a car and race it. Registered Pack 273 Cub Scouts are only eligible for the Official Cub Scout Race and may not enter a car in the Open Division (except as provided by "Special Instructions" above). Adults may enter a car for their Tiger Cubs.

There will be a $5.00 per car fee to enter this event.
Open Division Rules
  1. All cars must comply with the car building rules and specifications set forth in the Official Cub Scout Race (see Official Cub Scout Race Car Building Rules / Specifications). Note: The car kits MUST be the Official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby car kits just like the ones the Scouts were given.
  2. All cars must pass inspection to qualify for the race.
  3. Open Division cars must be turned in to the Scout's den leader by March 7, with the $5.00 racing fee. See the "Special Instructions" above.
  4. Registered Pack 273 Cub Scouts (except Tiger Cubs) are not eligible to compete in the Open Division race.
  5. There is no limit to the number of cars an individual may enter in the Open Division. However, a $5.00 entrance fee will be assessed for each car entered.
  6. Cars constructed and raced in any previous Pinewood Derbies are not eligible to compete.
  7. No car will be allowed to race if in the judgment of the PDC it is hazardous or in any other way objectionable.
  8. The winner is determined by the car whose nose crosses the finish line first.
  9. Cars with wet or sticky paint will not be accepted.

Open Division Racing Ground Rules

  1. Participants may place their own car on the track at the starting line.
  2. All of the other ground rules which apply for the Official Cub Scout Race will apply for the Open Division.
  3. See Special Instructions).

Official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kits (just like to ones the Scouts were given) can be purchased at:

East Bay Scout Shop
1001 Davis Street
San Leandro, CA 94577-1514
(510) 357-0309

Scenario Games and Hobbies
37120 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 792-9333

If you have any questions or need additional information,
please contact the Pinewood Derby Committee.

Want to know how to make a really speedy car?
Check out Randy Worcester's

Other Pinewood Derby links

What is Double-Elimination and How Does it Work?

Probably the most widely used method of scoring a Pinewood Derby race is Double-Elimination. Click here to learn more.

See the amazing "Alligator Car."

Check out this impressive car, built by Gavyn M. & Dad.

If you have any questions, please contact your Pinewood Derby Committee

Todd Medeiros
David Guilford
Joe Berrientz
Earl Jang,
David Osbourne,
Zia Tootski
David Gutierrez

Good Luck and Happy Racing!

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Pack 273 Home Page | 2002 Winners | Index