THE PINEWOOD DERBY EXPERIENCE
Build memories and develop skills with Pinewood Derby! Since 1953, Cub Scouts have raced hand-carved wooden cars down a track, learning about craftsmanship and competition. Each Scout starts with a basic kit and personalizes their car with paint, decals, and added weight. The Pinewood Derby kit is an official Scouting America product, tested for quality and includes a wooden block, wheels, and axles. Whether you aim to be the fastest, most creative, or just have fun, Pinewood Derby celebrates teamwork, family time, and the spirit of friendly competition.




DESIGN YOUR CAR
- Sketch Your Design: Start with a quick sketch of your car.
- Choose Your Block: Cut your block or use an Official Pre-Cut Pinewood Derby Block for convenience.
- Sand and Weigh: Sand your car and consider adding weights to reduce friction and increase speed.
- Customize: Personalize with paint, stickers, decals, or sound kits.
- Test Your Car: Visit your local Scout Shop to test your car on a Pinewood Derby Practice Track.
ORGANIZE A RACE
To ensure that your Pinewood Derby Race is safe and competitive, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and safety guidelines. Downloading these resources will provide you with all the necessary information to meet the requirements and make memories that last a lifetime!


HOW TO VIDEOS
Light & Sound Kit Installation
Headlight Kit Installation
Under Glow Kit Installation
Blacklight Wheels, Paint & Decals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can we get our Pinewood Derby kit?
Here at Scout Shop or your local Scout Shop also has them. Scout leaders may arrange ways to directly provide them to members of your Cub Scout pack, and you can always order kits through ScoutShop.org
Who builds the car?
Participating in a Pinewood Derby is a team effort for a Cub Scout and an adult mentor. They design the car and build it together, and then enter it in the race. Each Scout can work with one or both parents, a guardian, grandparent, or other mentor.
What are the weight limits for the Pinewood Derby car?
All cars in a Pinewood Derby must be of a certain size and weight so they have an equal chance to win. Using the official Pinewood Derby® kit will ensure that you start with the correct size. For most derbies, the finished car can weigh no more than five ounces.
What are the other rules?
Each Cub Scout pack decides its own rules. For most derbies, your car must be built with the parts found in the official Scouting America Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit - the wooden block, official Scouting America wheels, and axles. Paint, decorations, decals, and weights can be added as long as the final car stays under five ounces.
Can we substitute our own wheels, axles, or wood block for those from the Pinewood Derby kit?
No. Starting with identical materials gives every Cub Scout a fair chance in the derby, but there are fun wheel and axle kits in regulation available online and your local Scout Shop.
How can we make our car go fast?
There are lots of different ways! Check out our tips here: 10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby Car.
Is it okay to lubricate the axles?
Check your Cub Scout pack's rules. Dry lubricant such as powdered graphite is often allowed.
How can we practice before a race?
A Pinewood Derby Practice Track for testing the speed and balance of a car is available at Scout Shop. Some local Scout Shops offer free weigh-ins.