Pinewood Derby Cars

The Pinewood Derby is a fun and exciting event in many Scouting programs. It gives Cub Scouts a chance to build and race their own small wooden cars. This tradition has been part of Scouting for decades. Many Scouts look forward to it every year.

Building a Pinewood Derby car helps Scouts learn important skills. They follow rules, use tools safely, and make decisions about design and weight. These lessons are part of what Scouting is all about. Scouts learn by doing, and the Derby is a great way to practice that.

The event also brings families together. Parents and Scouts often work as a team to create the car. Some units even hold workshops where volunteers help kids with cutting, sanding, and painting. These shared moments help build strong relationships and memories.

On race day, the excitement is high. Scouts cheer as the cars zoom down the track. Everyone follows good sportsmanship and supports each other. Whether a Scout wins or not, they gain pride from building something themselves and being part of the team.

The Pinewood Derby started in 1953. It was created by Don Murphy, a Cubmaster in California. He wanted a fun activity for Cub Scouts who were too young for soapbox races. His idea was to give each Scout a block of wood, wheels, and nails. They could shape and decorate the car however they liked—within a few simple rules.

The first race was a big hit. Scouts loved building their cars, and parents enjoyed helping. The idea spread quickly. Soon, packs all over the country were holding their own races. The Pinewood Derby became a yearly tradition in Cub Scouting.

There are some common traditions in most Derby events. Each car must follow the same basic rules—same size, weight, and parts. This keeps the race fair. Some Scouts go for speed. Others focus on style. Some cars are painted like racecars, animals, or even tacos.

Many packs give out awards beyond just fastest car. There might be ribbons for best design, most creative, or funniest idea. These extra awards make sure every Scout can be proud of their effort, no matter where their car places on the track.

Den leaders, the Pinewood Derby is a great time to let Scouts take the lead. This project teaches real skills, but only if the kids do the work. Cutting, sanding, and painting may take longer when a Scout does it, but that’s where the learning happens. It’s not about perfection. It’s about trying something new and learning by doing.

Scouts get to make choices. They decide on the shape, the colors, and how to place the weights. They learn how tools work and how to follow rules. They also learn that every choice affects how the car moves. These are great lessons in problem-solving, and they feel proud when they see their own ideas in action.

The Pinewood Derby also teaches patience. It takes time to build a car. It won’t always go the way they plan. That’s okay. They learn how to fix small problems and keep going. This is how confidence grows—step by step, with a little guidance and a lot of hands-on work.

Please remind parents that the race is for the Scouts. It’s fine to help with tricky parts, but don’t take over. If an adult wants to build the fastest or fanciest car, some packs hold “outlaw” races for parents and siblings. This gives everyone a chance to race—without taking away the Scout’s own project. Let the kids own it. That’s where the real win happens.

Simple Tips and Instructions

What You’ll Need:

• Pinewood Derby car kit (block of wood, wheels, axles)
• Sandpaper (medium and fine)
• Small saw (hand saw or coping saw)
• Wood file or rasp
• Pencil and ruler
• Drill (with adult help)
• Weights (zinc, tungsten, or washers)
• Wood glue or super glue
• Paint and brushes
• Stickers or decals (optional)
• Safety goggles
• Scale (to check weight)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Plan the design.
   Use a pencil to draw the shape of the car on the wood block. Keep it simple and remember the size rules.
2. Cut the shape.
   Use a small saw to cut out the car shape. Adults may assist, but Scouts should do as much as they safely can.
3. Smooth the body.
   Use a file first, then sandpaper to round edges and remove rough spots.
4. Add weight.
   Drill small holes in the bottom or back of the car for weights. Glue them in. Try to get close to the limit (usually 5 ounces).
5. Paint the car.
   Use light coats of paint. Let it dry between coats. Add stickers or designs if you like.
6. Attach the wheels and axles.
   Line them up straight. Wheels should spin freely. Glue axles if allowed in your pack’s rules.
7. Test and adjust.
   Check the weight with a scale. Add or remove weights if necessary. Make sure wheels turn and the car runs straight.
8. Store safely.
   Keep the car in a safe place until race day to avoid damage.

Extra Tips and Safety Notes:

• Always wear safety goggles when using tools.
• Adults should supervise tool use.
• Don’t use power tools unless your pack allows it and an adult handles them.
• If you want to try a different design later, some packs do extra races with different rules.
• Many packs have “outlaw” races just for parents and siblings.

Let the Scout do the work. Help only when needed. The car may not be perfect, but it will be theirs.

Click here for a printable copy of How to Build a Pinewood Derby Car: Simple Tips and Instructions

Race to Earn an Award!

Now every Cub Scout, from Lion to Arrow of Light, can earn an award for joining in the fun of Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta. The Race Time adventure is part of the program for each level. It’s a great way to add even more excitement to race day.

To earn the belt loop or pin, Scouts need to take part in a race and complete a few other simple tasks. These may include talking about good sportsmanship, learning how the car or boat works, or helping at the event. It’s a fun and easy way to get credit for being part of the action.

Click on a link below for requirements and resources for each level:

• Lion Race Time Adventure
• Tiger Race Time Adventure
• Wolf Race Time Adventure
• Bear Race Time Adventure
• Webelos Race Time Adventure
• Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Book Review: Getting Started in Pinewood Derby

This workbook is a helpful step-by-step guide for Cub Scouts building their Pinewood Derby cars. It breaks the project into simple parts like shopping, shaping, painting, and testing. The instructions are clear, with lots of pictures to show what to do. A fun cartoon character, Dash Derby, helps lead the way. There are even car templates and tips to make the car faster.

It reminds parents that Scouts should do the work themselves. The book also includes space to add memories from race day. Whether a Scout is building a car for the first time or wants to try a new idea, this book is full of helpful tips and inspiration.

Projects for Scouts

If you’re looking for more hands-on ideas like Pinewood Derby cars, check out the projects section on my website. You’ll find lots of fun and simple activities that work well for Scouts. These projects help build skills, encourage creativity, and give Scouts a chance to learn by doing.

The Pinewood Derby is just one example of a great Scout project. There are many more ideas waiting for you. Some can be done at home, while others work well for den or patrol meetings. Visit my page to explore the full list of projects and get started on your next activity.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What is a Pinewood Derby car?

It is a small wooden car made from a kit. Scouts shape, paint, and race it down a track.

Who can race a car?

Cub Scouts usually race. Some packs also have races for siblings and parents using separate rules.

Can adults help build the car?

Yes, but only to assist. The Scout should do most of the work.

How much can the car weigh?

Most packs set the weight limit at 5 ounces. Always check your pack’s rules.

Can I paint and decorate my car?

Yes! Use paint, stickers, or decals to make it your own.

What tools do I need?

A small saw, sandpaper, a file, glue, and paint are common. Some use drills for weights.

Can I buy a car that is already built?

No. Scouts should build their own car with help if needed.

What if my car breaks before the race?

Try to fix it. Many packs allow simple repairs before the race begins.

How do you win the race?

The car with the fastest time usually wins. But some packs give awards for design and creativity too.

Where do I get a kit?

Your pack may hand them out. You can also find them at Scout shops.

The Pinewood Derby is a favorite event in Cub Scouting. Each Scout builds a small wooden car from a kit. Then they race their cars down a track to see whose is fastest. But the fun starts long before race day. Scouts shape, sand, paint, and decorate their cars with their own hands.

The Pinewood Derby began in 1953. A Cubmaster wanted an activity that gave kids a chance to build and compete. The idea caught on fast. Now, thousands of packs run races every year. It’s a proud tradition in the program.

This project teaches more than just speed. Scouts learn to follow directions, solve problems, and stick with a job from start to finish. They also learn how to win and lose with good sportsmanship.

Most of all, the Pinewood Derby gives Scouts a chance to do the work themselves. Parents can help, but the car should be the Scout’s own project. Some packs even have special races just for adults and siblings who want to join the fun without taking over.