Pinewood Derbies…parents and grandparents that were Cub Scouts often fondly remember their Pinewood Derby experiences when they were young.  Often when someone says “Cub Scouts”, it is one of the first things that comes into their minds.  A great Pinewood Derby experience can be so much to a young Scout.

But where do you start?

There is a great resource on scouting.org will how to plan your entire Pinewood experience.  From how to build a basic wooden track, the Adventure loop/pin requirements, how to host a Pinewood Build Day, tips for hosting the event itself, and more!  This resource page has all you need!

It can be daunting if you as a parent have never built a car before.  You have a box with a block of wood, four nails (the axles), and four wheels.  The first step is to be familiar with the rules of your Pack’s derby.  There is a rule sheet that comes with each car, but some Pack’s rules vary (depending on the track, e.g., there might be a height limit so as to not catch on the timing mechanism).  Typically:

• No more than 5.0 oz. (You want to be as close to 5.0 oz without going over.  Don’t have a scale?  Many people state that their local post office is happy to weigh a car for you on their precise scales.  Your Pack may make their scales available prior to the event.)  Add weights as needed (official weights, or washers or other metal objects).
• There is a minimum clearance (bottom and sides) you must maintain.  If you do add weights, make sure they don’t affect the dimensions of the car.  Do not glue them to the bottom — they can drag across the race track surface, slowing the car.
• Only graphite lubricant is permitted.  No oils.  To obtain top speed, you will want to graphite the wheels early and often.  Do NOT wait until the day of the race.  Ideally you apply a week or two beforehand and spin the wheels continually to work it into the wheels.

Once you understand the rules, it is time to get creative!  You can look up all kinds of designs — they don’t even have to be “cars”!  A pink pencil eraser or a bar of chocolate are fun designs (and are square/easy to cut/no-cut)!  The Scout Shops sell decal kits and official pre-cut cars that make it easier to design your car.  (Just make sure you use official Pinewood Derby car kits, not ones from your local hobby store since they may be cut to the wrong dimensions).

Looking to not only race your car at the Pack level, but take on others at the district level?  Below are a list of Pinewood events in the Michigan Crossroads Council.  Stay tuned…more will be added soon!