Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby is the oldest tradition in Cub Scouting and still the best day on our calendar. Every Scout gets the same kit: a block of pine, four nails, and four plastic wheels. What happens between the kit and race day is up to the Scout.

Race day

Cars are weighed and impounded in the morning, then run on an aluminum track with an electronic timer. Everyone races multiple heats against different opponents, so no one goes home after a single bad run. We give out awards for speed and, just as loudly, for design — Best Paint, Most Creative, Best Use of Something That Should Not Be On A Car.

There is also an open class at the end of the day for siblings, parents, and leaders. It is the most competitive race of the afternoon and we are not proud of that.

A word to the grown-ups

The Scout should build the car. Adults run the power tools and supervise the sharp parts — that is the deal — but the sanding, the design, the painting, and the decisions belong to the kid. A slightly lopsided car that a nine-year-old made is worth more than a perfect one they watched their parent make. Everyone can tell the difference anyway.

If you do not have tools or a workspace, say so. We run a group build day in January where the pack’s tools and a few experienced adults are available to everybody.

What makes a car fast

Weight as close to the 5-ounce limit as you can get, placed toward the rear. Axles polished smooth. Wheels aligned so the car tracks straight. Graphite on the axles. That is most of it, and none of it requires a lathe.