Pinewood Derby

What is the pinewood derby?

Each scout gets to build their own car and race them down our 50 ft. track.

Location

We will be in the Saint Carlo Acutis room on the 2nd floor of the RE building at St. Elizabeth.

Schedule

• Friday Night (3/6)

  • 7-8:30pm: Track Setup and early check-in.

• Saturday (3/7)

  • 9:00am: Check-in starts

  • 10:00am: Opening flag ceremony

  • 10:15am: Races start

Building your car

• Each scout gets a kit to build a car at the December Pack Meeting. The cost is covered by the scout’s dues.

  • Parents/siblings are welcome to join as well. Car kits can be purchased from the scout shop.

• Build Night: See the pack calendar to find the time for our build night where we will help you cut out your car and do any other work involving power tools.

Build Rules:

• Weight: Car must weigh 5oz or less, but the closer to 5oz the better!

  • All weights must be securely fastened to the car

• Dimensions: 

  • Can must not exceed 7" in length, 2.75" in width, or 4" in height

  • Must have clearance on the undercarriage to ride the track properly

• Lubricant: Powder graphite is allowed on the axles.

• Wheels: At least three wheels must have contact with the ground at any time

• Cosmetic customizations: After market customizations are allowed, but you must use the wheels provided with the kit.

For more details, see the full Pinewood Derby Rules

Car Check-in

Before the race each car will be checked in to verify its weight and ensure that it can run the track. Once the cars are checked in leaders will take care of running all the races.

Track Setup Night / Early Check-in

All are welcome to assist in setting up for the pinewood derby the night before the races (see the calendar for details). Once we have the track set up, you will also be given the opportunity to test run your car and check it in early so you don't have to do so the following morning.