Pack 159 competes in an annual pinewood derby

Derby Basics

Scouts from Pack 159 will compete at the annual Pinewood Derby under two categories:

  • Race

  • Design

Scouts will compete only against other Scouts of their own Rank (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light). All work on the race car must be exclusively that of the Scout and their parent/responsible adult. This includes design, construction, finishing, and detailing, beginning with the Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit and other official BSA Pinewood Derby products and ending with the completed, finished, customized racecar. The parent/responsible adult provides oversight and guidance, but the goal is to have the Scout complete as much work on the race car as possible within the constraints of safety.

Those who place 1st for their rank will be invited to represent the Pack at the District Pinewood Derby, typically held in March. Those who place 1st in both speed and design cannot compete in both categories at the District race and must choose one (the second-place finisher of the category not selected by the winner will then be invited to the District Derby).

Racecar Inspection

All cars will be inspected to ensure they meet the standards of the Official Powhatan District Pinewood Derby Rules adopted by our Pack at Impound usually the day before the race. 

Common Derby Pitfalls include:

  • Car is overweight - 5.0 ounces is the weight limit

  • Weights reduce clearance or car does not meet dimension specifications:

    • No taller than 3 inches

    • No wider than 2 3/4 inches

    • No longer than 7 inches

    • No lower than 3/8 inches (to clear track guide rail) - weights need to either be attached to the top of the car or if on the bottom, sunken into the wood so that they do not hang below the bottom of the car

    • The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) may not be changed from the kit body distance of 4 3/8 inches.

  • Items added to car are not firmly attached - be sure to glue anything that might fall off no later than the evening before the race

  • All four wheels do not touch - no lifting of 1 or more wheels. Wheel must be official "BSA" wheels and unmodified (sanding of wheels and axels as well as use of dry graphite lubricant is allowed). Axles must remain straight and unbent. All four wheels mounted on the race car must touch the ground flat (not beveled) and roll when placed on a level surface.

  • Front of car extends past starting peg - a small round peg holds each car at the top of the starting line to ensure an even start of the race. Cars that are unable to rest on this peg will be turned around to run backwards (assuming the back of the car can rest on the peg).