Pinewood Derby
The pack’s most logistically complex single event. Scouts build wooden cars and race them on a regulation track. The event includes car check-in, weigh-in, racing heats, Best in Show judging, and an awards ceremony.
Overview
At the heart of this event’s success is the process itself — bonds are strengthened as Cub Scouts partner with a parent or adult mentor to design, carve, paint, weigh, refine, and race their car. Scouts build confidence and take pride in their own growing skills and hard work.
Pack 232 Car Specifications & Rules
Pack 232 follows the standard “Rules in the Box” with key specifications:
Car Dimensions & Weight:
- Width: 2–3/4”
- Length: 7”
- Weight: Not over 5 ounces
- Width between wheels: 1–3/4”
- Bottom clearance between car and track: 3/8”
Prohibited & Allowed:
- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited
- Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles permitted
- Only dry lubricant permitted
- Car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices
- Car body may have no moving parts
- Wheelbase must be at least 4 inches
- Car must have been made during the current Pack year
For complete rules including inspection process and all Pack-specific requirements, see Pack 232 Pinewood Derby Rules.
Race Format & Awards
The Derby consists of eight rounds of races, allowing cars to run once in each lane. The winner is determined by the lowest average time across all races.
Awards:
- First, Second, Third place overall in the Pack
- Place within individual Dens
- Style Awards: Most Realistic, Fastest Looking, Best Car That’s Not a Car, Most Colorful, Most Humorous, Most Creative, Best In Show
Timeline / Checklist
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| December | Set date; reserve Glenmont Elementary gym |
| January–February | Purchase and distribute car kits (Lego Derby kits for Lions) |
| March (before race) | Distribute rules to all families; open car inspections |
| Race Day | Set up track and timing system; run the race; awards ceremony |
| After the race | Arrange year-round track storage |
Venue & Logistics
The Pinewood Derby is held in the Glenmont Elementary gym. The Committee Chair submits the space request as part of the annual Glenmont space request. The track and timing system must be set up and tested before cars arrive for inspection.
Team
- Lead – Jeff Middendorf
- Team – Dave Coup, Gary Robbins, Jeff Dievendorf, Charles Giglia, Chris Orth
Roles Involved
- Pinewood Derby Coordinator – overall event lead and track management
- Committee Chair – facility reservation and year-round track storage
- Advancement Chair – awards, trophies, and Best in Show judging
- Program Chair – coordinates with pack calendar
| Task | Role | When | Owner | |—|—|—|—|
| Pinewood Derby: Gym Reservation | program | Dec | committee-chair |
| Pinewood Derby: Trophies & Style Awards | recognition | Jan | advancement-chair |
| Pinewood Derby: Trophies & Style Awards | recognition | Feb | advancement-chair |
| Pinewood Derby Race | program | Mar | pinewood-derby-coordinator |
| Pinewood Derby: Kit Purchase & Distribution | program | Mar | pinewood-derby-coordinator |
| Pinewood Derby: Track Storage | administrative | Mar | pinewood-derby-coordinator |
| Pinewood Derby: Rules Distribution | program | Mar | pinewood-derby-coordinator |
| Pinewood Derby: Car Inspection & Weigh-In Setup | program | Mar | pinewood-derby-coordinator |