Pinewood Derby

Start your engines! The Pinewood Derby is one of Scouting’s most iconic traditions, where craftsmanship, creativity, and physics collide for a high-speed day of racing. 

The Race

• Building Your Machine: Every Scout starts with an official Pinewood Derby kit—a block of pine, four plastic wheels, and four metal axles. With an adult’s help, you’ll design, carve, and paint your car into a gravity-powered speedster.

• The Track: Cars compete in multiple heats on a sloped, multi-lane track. Electronic timers record speeds to the thousandth of a second to determine the fastest racers in the pack.

• The Categories: It’s not just about speed! While we award trophies for the fastest cars, we also celebrate the "Best in Show" for the most creative designs and show-stopping paint jobs. 

Standard Race Rules (Link)

To keep the competition fair, all cars must pass a pre-race inspection. 

• Weight: Must not exceed 5.0 ounces.

• Dimensions: Maximum width of 2 ¾ inches and maximum length of 7 inches.

• Clearance: Must have at least 3/8 inch clearance under the body to avoid dragging on the track.

• Parts: Only official BSA wheels and axles are permitted.

• Lubricant: Only dry lubricants (like powdered graphite) are allowed—wet oils can damage the track. 

Pro Tips for Speed

• Weight Placement: Most "pro" builders place their extra weight toward the rear of the car to give it a longer "push" down the slope.

• Aerodynamics: Sleek, low-profile shapes like the wedge generally cut through the air faster than boxy designs.

• Axle Polishing: Using fine sandpaper to remove small burrs from the metal axles can significantly reduce friction. 

Note: 

Last-minute adjustments can be made prior to the race. We recommend bringing your own tools for any final tuning.

Outlaw Derby

Unleash your inner engineer! The Outlaw Race is the place where the standard rulebook goes out the window, and creativity takes the wheel. This division is designed for parents, siblings, and Scouts who want to push the boundaries of Pinewood Derby physics and design. 

What is the Outlaw Race?

The Outlaw Race is a separate division where the strict BSA car standards are relaxed to encourage innovation and family participation. It's the perfect opportunity for adults to build their own "dream car" and show the Scouts what happens when you think outside the block. 

The "Outlaw" Guidelines

While the rules are lenient, we have a few "Golden Rules" to protect our track and ensure a safe event: 

• The Physics Rule: Cars must be powered by gravity only. No rocket engines, fans, or propulsion devices are allowed.

• The Track Rule: Your car must fit on the track and clear the center guide rail (approx. 1 ¾” wide and ⅜” high). It cannot be more than 7 inches long or 2 ¾ inches wide.

• The Safety Rule: No fire, explosives, liquids, or projectiles. Your car must not damage the track or interfere with other lanes.

• The Weight Limit: Most Outlaw divisions allow for a higher weight limit, often up to 10-12 ounces, as long as the car remains safe to race. 

Anything Goes!

Within the safety rules, we encourage you to experiment with:

• Exotic Materials: Use 3D-printed bodies, metal chassis, or LEGO builds.

• Advanced Engineering: Try precision bearings, moving weights, or complex suspensions.

• Wild Designs: If it fits on the track, it can race! We've seen everything from "Wienermobiles" to high-tech wedges. 

Outlaw Awards 

• The Mad Scientist: For the car that looks like it was built in a lab. Think excessive gears, 3D-printed parts, and "experimental" tech.

• The Rule Breaker: For the car that most aggressively ignores the standard 5-ounce weight limit (as long as it doesn't break the track!).

• The Scenic Route: For the car that finishes… eventually. This award goes to the slowest car that still manages to cross the finish line.

• The Masterpiece: For the entry that is clearly too beautiful to be racing. This is the "Best in Show" for the most detailed paint and craftsmanship.

• The "What is That?" Award: For the design that defies explanation. Is it a car? Is it a piece of fruit? Is it a UFO? Nobody knows, but it’s fast.

• The Pit Crew Pick: Voted on by the Scouts as the car they most wish they could have built themselves.

Ready to Compete?

You can find extra Pinewood Derby kits and specialty weights at the official Scout Shop to get your Outlaw build started.