Brooklyn Pack 313 Cub Scouts

Ready, Set, Race!

Get ready for the most epic event of the Cub Scout year: the Pinewood Derby! This high-octane tradition is all about creativity, speed, and making some awesome family memories.

So, What’s the Derby All About?

It's a super fun racing event where every Cub Scout becomes a car designer and engineer. The goal? To build a miniature wooden race car from a simple kit and watch it rocket down the track using just the power of gravity! Think Fast & Furious, but with tiny wooden cars and lots more cheering.

Date: January 11th, 2026 - Meletia Hall Lunchroom

Each Den races their group, and Certificates are given for Speed, Design & Creativity

9AM: Lions, Tigers and Wolves - These dens are not allowed to cut their cars

12PM: Bears, Webelos and Arrow of Light - These dens are allowed to cut their cars

The Lowdown on Race Day

The Build

Everyone gets the same basic kit: a pine block, wheels, and axles. After that, it’s all up to you! Carve it, paint it, sticker it up—make your dream machine come to life.

Keep it Real

We have a few simple rules to keep things fair (the big one is staying under 5 ounces). It's all about making sure everyone has a fair shot at the checkered flag.

Race Time!

Be a good sport: Learning to build a great car is awesome, but cheering with your friends is the real win.

Learn more about Pinewood Derby:

Visit the Scout Shop >

Visit Scouting America >

Expand to View the Official Rules

Official Pinewood Derby Rules

ALL CARS MUST PASS INSPECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE

No kit cars or professionally made cars are allowed.

Car Dimension Rules

The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
The over width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
The car must have 1¾ inches clearance between wheels.
The car must have 3/8 inches clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.

Derby Car Weight Rules

The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

Car Modifications Rules

Lions, Tigers and Wolves Scouts DO NOT carve or shape their cars in any way, PAINT ONLY.
The official pinewood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired.
Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
The nails supplied with the kit must be used. The axles may be altered, polished and lubricated.
Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used. The use of weights are permitted if they are secured to the vehicle or placed in the vehicle then sanded and painted.

Other Pinewood Derby Race Rules

Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race committee members can touch it.
NO MODIFICATIONS ARE ALLOWED AFTER THE CAR IS OFFICIALLY ENTERED INTO THE RACE.
If the car loses a wheel, or otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs.
Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.

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