Pinewood Derby: Jan. 28th

2023

PACK 962 PINEWOOD DERBY

GET

YOUR GLOW

ON!

The annual Pinewood Derby (PWD) is one of the cornerstones of the Cub Scouting program. This event gives scouts an opportunity to create and build something truly their own. While help is available to cut out the car design, we strongly encourage scouts, when old enough, to use their own two hands to cut out and shape their cars. There are a wide variety of styles and options scouts can pursue. For those folks who'd like to take their game to the next level, there are videos and tutorials in the millions on YouTube. Cars are wrapped and passed out at the December Pack Meeting. If you're unable to attend this meeting please talk to your den leader to make arrangements to get your car. Cars are also available for purchase here for siblings and parents who'd like to participate in the derby! Below are the official rules and guidelines along with some helpful videos.

Pack 962 has several traditions revolving around the Pinewood Derby. We give awards for the fastest and slowest cars. We have sibling races and even allow the adults to get involved. This year we're having our first-ever GLOW-UP! Cars get painted in neon and race under the glow of black lights.

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All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race:

  1. Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.

  2. Length shall not exceed 7 inches.

  3. Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.

  4. Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Additional wheels can be purchased separately.

  5. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

  6. No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.

  7. The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.

  8. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

  9. No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.

The creator of this video has an incredible catalog of videos on engineering and creating unique devices. This video, while long, goes through the important steps of putting together a successful PWD car.