Pinewood Derby

Building the Car

As for car specifications and rules, we use the ones printed on the instruction sheet in the box. The main thing to remember is that the spirit of the Pinewood Derby is for you to work together with your scout toward building a great car with what's in the box.  Note that on the day of the race each car needs to be under the maximum length of 7 inches and weight limit of 5 oz before it can be entered.  Note that cars rest on a starting pin, so no pointy-nosed cars. Also, your Scout must be present in order to enter his car in the race.  There is no need to give your car a number, each car will receive a race number when they are checked in.

If this is your first time building a car don't worry, we've all been there so feel free to ask experienced parents for help! A few simple tools can help you get the job done, including a coping saw (example), sandpaper and paint. Graphite to lubricate the axles is a good idea. Please make sure your son has an active role in building :-)

Now, if your scout wants to go FAST, then it's worth doing some research. YouTube search for Pinewood Derby and you will find a ton of stuff. Mark Rober has an awesome video you should watch with your son. More tips are here on the Boy's Life site.

Feel free to contact any of the parent volunteer leaders any time with questions and we'll be glad to help you out. We will have an optional "track shakedown"  where you can get your car weighed and tested to be sure it passes inspection on race day. 

Race Day

This year's race takes place on Saturday, January 25th at the East Hanover Middle School Cafeteria. 

Key things to know: 

• Please arrive on time so that we can check in your car before your race as we will need to lock down the race brackets quickly in order to get all of the racing in. Unfortunately, if your scout's car isn't checked in by then we can't include it in the race, as the brackets can't be modified once we start

• If you know that your scout won't be participating in the race, please let your den leader know so that we can make adjustments to the race brackets in advance

• Some local stores (Michael's) have stopped carrying pinewood derby supplies or they are out - so if you need weights, etc. it's not too late too order from Amazon but don't wait!  The scout store at 1 Saddle Rd. in Cedar Knolls should have everything you need. But there are many creative solutions :-)

• We are following the rules in the box - dimensions and weights will be checked on the day of the race.

Race Format:

• Scouts will race by Den. Each car will race in 4 heats to determine the Den rankings.

• The top finisher in each Den will automatically advance to the finals.

• The finals will consist of 8 cars - the Den winners, plus a few wildcards (the next fastest cars from any Den)

• The finals race will determine the ranks, including our overall speed champion!

Speed Awards:

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each Den will receive a prize patch

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall will receive a trophy

Creativity Awards:

If speed isn't your Scout's thing, there are plenty of awards so they can showcase their creative talents!

• Most Creative - Used creative and unexpected approaches to make the car unique and exciting. Novel use of materials, lights, colors, theme etc.  “Wow factor.”

• Most Futuristic - Looks like it’s from the future. Exciting paint or features that are out of this world. Design that makes you wonder if it can fly off the track!

• Most Patriotic - Displays the American colors (red, white, and blue) and/or other patriotic symbols. Makes you want to salute it as it rolls down the track!

• Video game / cartoon character - Show off your favorite character from a video game or TV.

• Most Cub Scout Pride - Shows the most Scout pride through use of Scouting theme and/or design.

• Best Paint - Best paint job on the car based on color scheme, neatness, and details.

• Best Workmanship - Highly detailed woodwork showing the skill of the car’s builder.

• Best Villain Car - This car shows off some menace and instills fear in your opponents by highlighting your favorite villain.

• Best Superhero Car - This car shows it’s not afraid of the villain and ready to stand up to evil.

• Best First Responder - A tribute to those who serve. This car best shows off the qualities of a police, fire, or ambulance vehicle.

• Best Accessories - Best use of lights, added parts, or other accessories.

• Best Brakes / Most Fuel Efficient (slowest) - Awarded to the slowest car at the end of the race

• Cubmaster’s Choice - Cubmaster has the only vote for this. Know your judge!