Pack 191 Pinewood Derby Information

 About the event

The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is considered by many scouts and parents to be the highlight of the cub scouting year.  It is a wonderful opportunity for parents and their scouts to genuinely work on a project together.  Not only is it fun to participate in the races, but it is also exciting to design, carve, build and paint the car as well.  A considerable amount of time and energy go into preparing the cars for race day.  The Scouts are rewarded for their hard work by seeing their car race no less than 6 times on the track.  Parents, we know it is difficult to not take over this project, but it really needs to be the scout's car when it is all said and done.  So help them with the use of power tools and provide them with some technical assistance, but please let them do the majority of the work.

An important life lesson about winning and losing happens at this event.  In keeping with the Cub Scout ideals, all Scouts are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship.  Scouts should be reminded that every racer has a chance to win; however not everyone walks away from the event with a trophy.  All Scouts receive a participation ribbon, but the fastest and best looking cars are eligible for trophies.  Scouts should be encouraged to cheer on their friends and focus on having a good time.  There are many resources available online to assist with the design of your Scout’s car, so have fun investing in the relationship with your son.

Please read the rules posted below before building your car. The Pinewood Derby is open to all Cub Scouts.  If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

Race Details

Scout Races

Pack 191 races are executed in a way that is fair to each Scout and rewards them for their hard work on the cars.  The Scouts will compete with other boys in their rank.  Each car in each rank will run on every lane of the track.  First, Second, and Third place will be determined by the fastest average elapsed time for all runs.  Once all Den level races are complete, the fastest cars from each rank will be raced in a final heat to determine the top three overall speed winners.  Again, cars in the final heat will race on each lane of the track.  In this class, there are numerous restrictions that will be enforced in order to provide a fair race for all scouts.  See the Official Pack 191 Pinewood Derby Scout Class Car Rules for information on the rules and inspection points.  

Open Class

There will be an open class race that will follow the same race procedures as the Scout Class Race.  In this class, there are fewer restrictions on the cars. See the Official Pack 191 Pinewood Derby Open Class Car Rules for information on the rules and inspection points.  

Race Rules

If a car leaves the track, runs out of its lane, interferes with another car, loses an axle, etc., the heat will be rerun after the affected cars have been inspected/repaired.  If the same car gets into trouble on the second run, the contestant will be disqualified and automatically loses that race. If, on the second run, another car is interfered with, the heat will be run a third time, but without the disqualified car.  

Race Progression

Races will begin promptly as scheduled with the Tigers, followed by Wolves, Bears, Webelos I, and Webelos II.  Once the races for a rank are complete, the next rank will begin without delay.  If the parents or the Scouts are not at the event when their rank races, they will miss the event.  We are unable to hold start of a rank race due to external factors.  Once all ranks have raced, the Open class race will be held. 

Upon completion of the Open class race, there will be a 20 minute setup time followed by the final heat to determine the overall speed winners.  During the 20 minute time before the last heat, the three finalists will be allowed to make repairs to their cars, so long as the repair does not result in increased weight or any violation of the rules.  Adding graphite to the wheels at this time is permissible.  Any and all repairs will be done under close supervision of the track team.

Again, the race will not be delayed due to the absence of a Scout or Parent.  The purpose of this policy is to be fair to all Parents and Scouts in the pack.  We understand that there are external events that can cause a conflict, which is why we schedule this event at least six months in advance. 

Award Details 

Awards will be given as follows:

Speed

Speed awards are determined as described above.

1st – 3rd place for each rank will receive a trophy

1st – 3rd place overall will receive a trophy

Ranks are defined as follows:

Tiger

Wolf

Bear

Webelos I

Webelos II

Best in Show

Best in Show will be determined by vote of Event Chair/Cubmaster/Committee Chair

Best in Show for each rank will receive a trophy

Best in Show overall will receive a trophy

Participation

All Scouts who compete will receive a participation ribbon.

Official Rules & Regulations

Click this link for the official Pack 191 Pinewood Derby Manual