Pinewood Derby

The 2025 Pinewood Derby will be taking place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Buckley Hall (gymnasium of St. Edward School - 4447 N. Lowell). Everyone should have received their car kits already, but if you have not received one yet please let me know as soon as possible. 

All cars, no matter the design, must adhere to very specific rules:

1. Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.

2. Length shall not exceed 7 inches.

3. Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.

4. Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Additional wheels can be purchased separately.

5. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

6. No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.

7. The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.

8. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

9. No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.

Due to the high volume of scouts expected to be at the derby, we will have weigh-in / car drop-off the night before the derby, which is Thursday, April 3, 2025 between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The car drop-off will be at Unity Hall (Church Basement). 

Please weigh your scout's car before bringing it to ensure that it meets the weight specifications. If your scout's car is overweight we may need to drill holes in it to get the weight down. If we cannot get the car to be at the right weight, it will be disqualified. Also, be prepared to make modifications to the car on the night of the derby. 

If you're looking for ideas or need help, check out this website: Pinewood Derby Car Design Plans with Templates (pinewoodpro.com). 

Here is another site that has some helpful tips: 5 Tips to Building the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car|Boy Scouts of America (scoutshop.org)

Please also remember that the design and build of the vehicle is intended to be something that is done with your scout, not for your scout. There is nothing wrong with helping your scout cut the wood, smooth out surfaces, apply paint more evenly, or put on decals. But the process should absolutely be your scout doing the work with you.