Pinewood Derby

Pack 545 Pinewood Derby Rules of the Road

Important Events

Kit Handouts – Nov & Dec Pack Meetings

  • All Scouts are provided with one kit each
  • Additional kits for Adults and Siblings may be purchased for $5 each.

Mandatory Car Inspection Day​ – Jan 22/23, 2026 (TBD)

  • Cars must be completed and ready for inspection at our official weigh in before the event.
  • Read the “Rules of the Road” carefully to ensure your car will pass inspection!
  • After inspection, your cars will be left with the Race Committee for transport to the event.
  • PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept cars with wet or sticky paint, or uncured glue/epoxy! Please give yourself enough time for painting. If you’re up against the clock, consider using sharpies to color your car and/or stickers.
  • Any cars not turned in through inspection cannot Race!

Race Day! – Jan 24th, 2026

  • Bring your family and friends to enjoy the races and vote for the Design Awards!

Competitive Divisions

Speed Division

  • Each car is eligible to race in the speed division – even creatively designed cars – provided they meet the specs for size
  • Heats will be divided up by each Rank, with awards given to the top three fastest in each Rank.
  • Fastest cars in each rank will race for the overall Pack podium
  • Top 6 fastest cars in the Pack are eligible to represent the Pack and compete in the District Race.

Family Division

  • Separate division for parents and siblings to build & race a Pinewood Derby car
  • Same rules as the Speed Division, with the Family group making their own Heat.
  • Family Division winners do not advance to District race 

Design Awards

  • Awards for “Best Scout Design”, “Most Car-Like”, “Most Creative”, and “Scout’s Choice”
  • Each Scout votes for their favorites for each category, winners decided by popular vote
  • A car can win a maximum of one category, so the “Most Creative” or “Scout’s Choice” couldn’t also be the “Best Scout Design” or “Most Car-Like”.
  • Cars built for primary competition in the Design categories do not have to race. (If they do not meet size specs they will not be allowed to race)