Pack 807

Pinewood Derby

Updated August 5, 2026

The Pinewood Derby is one of Cub Scouting's most popular traditions. Scouts and their adult helpers work together to design, build, decorate, and race a car while practicing creativity, sportsmanship, and problem-solving.

Check the Pack 807 events calendar for the current race date, location, check-in window, racing schedule, and any year-specific instructions.

Next Pinewood Derby

Pinewood Derby Check-in

Sat, Jan 30, 2027 at 1:00 AM

Nichols Elementary

Pinewood Derby Racing

Sat, Jan 30, 2027 at 3:00 PM

Nichols Elementary

Watch an introduction to Pinewood Derby racing.

Build It Together

Cars should be reasonably built by Scouts, not adults. Adults should supervise tools and help with difficult steps while allowing the Scout to design, sand, assemble, and paint the car to the best of their ability.

Pack 807 recognizes speed, creativity, appearance, and workmanship, so Scouts can aim for a fast car, a memorable design, or both.

Before race day, talk with your Scout about winning and losing with good sportsmanship. A good Scout does not brag after winning or act jealous after losing. Every racer should be able to say, “I did my best,” and feel proud of the effort.

Car Check-In

Cars must be weighed, inspected, and registered during the check-in period announced for the current Derby. If a car does not pass inspection, the Scout may make corrections before check-in closes.

  • Bring basic tools and any approved adjustment materials your car may need.
  • Use the Pack's official scale as the final weight measurement.
  • Once approved, cars remain with race officials until racing is complete.
  • Do not arrive on race day with an unregistered car unless current event instructions explicitly permit it.
  • If your family cannot attend check-in, coordinate an advance handoff with your den leader or another Pack family.

Race officials have final authority over car eligibility and safe operation.

Divisions and Recognition

Scout Division

Scouts race within their dens, with top finishers advancing to a Pack championship according to the current race format. Current leaders will announce trophy categories, district qualification, and the racing order.

Every Scout who participates may receive an event patch or other recognition announced for that year's Derby.

Outlaw Division

Cars built by siblings or adults, or cars that do not meet Scout Division construction rules, may race in an Outlaw Division when offered. Outlaw cars must still fit safely on the track and follow the Outlaw safety rules below.

Pinewood Derby Adventure

Participating Scouts may complete a rank-appropriate Pinewood Derby Adventure by:

  1. Building a Pinewood Derby car with adult supervision.
  2. Learning the race rules.
  3. Discussing good sportsmanship with a parent or guardian.
  4. Participating in the Derby.

Additional rank activities may include:

Scout Division Car Requirements

  • Build a new car for the current program year rather than reusing a previous car.
  • Use official BSA Pinewood Derby parts. Third-party manufactured, machined, or prebuilt cars and performance parts are not permitted.
  • Maximum dimensions are 7 inches long, 4 inches high, and 2 3/4 inches wide, including wheels.
  • Wheels must be at least 1 5/8 inches apart, with at least 3/8 inch of track clearance under the car.
  • Maximum weight is 141.7 grams, or 5.0 ounces, on the official Pack scale.
  • Scouts may sand and polish their own official wheels and axles.
  • The car must be freewheeling and may not use a starting or propulsion device.
  • The front must have a flat edge that rests correctly against the starting post. No part of the car may extend beyond that post.
  • All four wheels must touch and roll flat on the track.

Prohibited Modifications

  • Wheel bearings, washers, bushings, or hubcaps
  • Grooved or machined axles
  • Wheels that have been rounded, thinned, wafered, machined, weight-reduced, or otherwise modified beyond what a Scout can reasonably do
  • Three-wheel configurations or intentionally canted axles
  • Oil-based or liquid lubricants
  • Springs, motors, starting devices, or other propulsion systems

Dry lubricant such as graphite is permitted when it remains on the car and does not foul the track. Replacement wheels may be used only when they are official BSA wheels with visible BSA markings.

Race Rules

  • After inspection and registration, only designated race officials or pit-crew volunteers may handle cars until racing is complete.
  • No modifications may be made after a car has passed inspection unless race officials direct a safety correction.
  • Loose parts must be removed or secured before racing.
  • A car that cannot remain safely on the track may be removed from competition.
  • Race officials may re-inspect any car and may move a noncompliant car to the Outlaw Division or disqualify it.
  • Racers and families should stay near the track, listen for announcements, and cheer for every Pack 807 Scout.

Outlaw Safety Rules

Outlaw cars may allow more creativity, but they may not use wet lubricants, pyrotechnics, pressurized air or fluids, combustion engines, external propulsion devices, or anything that could damage the track or endanger participants. Cars must still meet the track's width and clearance limits.

Design Inspiration

Additional resources:

Pack 807

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