Pinewood Derby

Learn about the origins, construction and competition of the pinewood derby, the wood car racing event of the Cub Scout Program of the Scouting America. Find out how to build and customize your own car from a kit, and how to reduce friction and drag for faster speed. The Pinewood Derby kit is an official Scouting America product, tested for quality and includes a wooden block, wheels, and axles.

Whether you aim to be the fastest, most creative, or just have fun, Pinewood Derby celebrates teamwork, family time, and the spirit of friendly competition. Learn about the Pinewood Derby Race, a fun and exciting activity for Cub Scouts organized by Boy Scouts of America. Learn the science behind the Pinewood Derby, a racing event for Cub Scouts where participants create miniature wood cars from a base kit and race them on a track.

Find out how to make your car aerodynamic, maximize weight, lubricate axles, align wheels, and decorate it for style. Learn how the Pinewood Derby, a Scouting event for Cub Scouts, started in 1953 and became a cherished family tradition. Discover the evolution of the rules, designs, and materials over the decades and the benefits of building cars as a family.

Welcome to the exciting world of Pinewood Derby® racing - a creative challenge that combines engineering, artistry, and a whole a lot of fun. These mini race cars are carved from a simple block of wood, fitted with wheels, and customized to match your wildest ideas. No experience required!

Learn how Don Murphy created the Pinewood Derby in 1953 as a Cub Scout car race with his son. Find out how the derby became a national event and what materials and rules are used. Learn how a Cubmaster named Don Murphy invented the Pinewood Derby in 1953 as a father.

A Pinewood Derby race is an event in which small, wooden cars are raced down a specially designed track using only the force of gravity for power. These events typically are for Cub Scouts and are sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America, but many other people also enjoy building and racing Pinewood Derby cars and might hold their own events. The Pinewood Derby celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013.

It started with Don Murphy who was the Cubmaster for Pack 280c in Manhattan Beach, California. Mr. Murphy's son wanted to participate in the Soap Box Derby, but he was too young.

So Mr. Murphy took his life-long hobby of building models and combined that with the Soap Box Derby's concept of gravity.