One of the most exciting events in scouting! Race your cars with your fellow scouts and put your STEM skills to the test! Here are all the details:

Pack 46
2026 Pinewood Derby Rules

1. Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches, including wheels and axles.
2. Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
3. Height shall not exceed 3-1/4 inches.
4. Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
5. Vehicle must clear center guide strip of the track (3/8″H x 1-3/4″ W)
6. Wheelbase shall not exceed 4-3/8 inches. (Distance between front and rear axles)
7. Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Alternate wheels sold by BSA are acceptable.
8. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
9. No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite.
10. The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
11. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting or propulsion devices.
12. No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
13. At least three wheels must be touching the track when racing.
14. Every part of the car must begin behind starting pin.
15. The vehicle’s front end must be at least ¼ inch wide and cannot be shaped like a pointed V to ensure proper launching on the track.

And the last and most important rule:

HAVE FUN!

Award Categories by Den:

In addition to awards for fastest car, design awards will be given for the following categories:

STEM
Food
Scout Adventures
Creative (Anything goes)

Outlaws

Racers who are not registered as a Pack 46 Cub Scout (parents, siblings, etc.) may also compete in one of two categories: Outlaws, who must adhere to the full rules above; or Unlimited, which increases the weight limit to 8 ounces while still following all
other rules. Outlaw/Unlimited entrance fee is $20

Race-Day

Racers or their designee can show up any time between 9a-12p on Sunday to register, weigh-in, measure-in, choose their design category, and drop off their car. This is the last time racers can touch their cars until trophies have been awarded. No registrations will be accepted after 12:00p. Racers will receive their racing credentials at registration, then can leave until the races that afternoon.

Race-Day Schedule – Sunday March 29th at Westchase Elementary: 
9:00-12:00: Open Registration & Car Drop-off
12:00-1:00: Judging (No Scouts in the room during judging)
1:00-2:30: Lions, Tigers, Wolves Heat
2:30-3:30: Outlaws Heat
3:30-5:00: Bears, Webelos, AOL Heat

Awards (1st through 3rd in Speed per Den, and 1st through 3rd in each creative category per heat) will occur after each heat, so families may attend just their heat, or stay for other heats if you want to watch all the action!  Concessions will be open all afternoon. Scouts should be in Class-A Uniform for the races. 

Build Your Car

Pack 46 will host a Pinewood Derby Workshop on the Saturday afternoon of the Crossover Campout, March 7th, at Camp Soule!  We will have all the tools you need to design, build, and test your car!

Finally, Scouts grow through challenge. We encourage parents to help your scout build and design their car, but please do not do it for them.  It is a great opportunity to let your scout be creative and work side by side with them to build something they can be proud of!