Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby is Saturday, February 22nd 8AM-NOON in the St. Ignatius Auditorium

Cars will be checked in Friday, February 21 7pm-8pm in Church Basement
(Parents volunteers needed on February 21st evening for set-up)

Photos via email of your Pinewood Derby Car will be due by 2/16 to be entered in the Contest for:

The Tamanend District Pinewood Derby is Mar 8, 2025 10:00 am (Volunteers should arrive by 8:00 am) Location: TBD
Race Schedule:
Lions & Tigers Registration / Check-in: 10:00-10:30
Lion followed by Tiger Races: 10:30-11:10
Wolf & Bear Registration / Check-in: 11:10-11:45
Wolf followed by Bear Races: 11:45-12:15
Webelos & AOL Registration / Check-in: 12:15-12:45
Webelos followed by AOL Races, followed by Grand Championship: 12:45-1:30

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  OFFICIAL BSA 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.
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.
10. ALL wheels must touch the track at the same time
11. No “V” Notches on the front of the car

“You know, mom, this isn’t really a race car. It’s more of a stunt car.”
Sportsmanship is the Real Winner at Pinewood Derby

Pinewood Derby Tips

Please follow the rules and practice good sportsmanship!
Please don’t modify the wheels!  Most stickers, paints, and supplies can be purchased at Michael’s Crafts near the mall.  Some more exotic design elements, lead and tungsten weights can be found on the web.  We have personally ordered paints and weights from Hodges Hobby House and been satisfied*. 
*NOTE: Their modified axles, wheels, and bodies are ILLEGAL in our district.  DO NOT buy them.

Design aids *Print “Actual Size”

• Car design graph paper
• Sample car shapes
• CLARIFICATION OF DISQUALIFYING / ALTERED WHEELS:

A few good websites with information and tips on construction are here:

• Speedway Pinewood Derby Car Resource Guide – Thanks Blake!
• PINEWOOD DERBY CAR GUIDE – Thanks, Nathan!
• Speed Hints
• Five Keys to Pinewood Derby Performance
• Pinewood Derby Physics Lectures (If you dare!)

There are numerous good books on the subject as well.  I recommend Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets: Design and Build the Ultimate Car.  Pack 230 will receive a small commission if purchased through this link.

Please feel free to contact JR with any questions.

GOOD LUCK!