How to Build the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car (DIY)

Publish date: 2024-10-05

Introduction

We’ll tell you our favorite tricks and tips and give you the basic physics behind why they work.

Pinewood Derbies are a tradition in scouting. Let’s face it, racing cars is a lot of fun, even if they’re just handheld models. Building a derby car with your child is also a fun way to spend some time together, and it’s a great beginner woodworking project.

But it’s also fun to win, and to do that, you need to build a fast car. Here, we’ll walk you through how to turn a simple piece of pine wood into a car that’s guaranteed to burn up the race track.

Below are the regulations most Pinewood Derbies follow. It’s very important to follow these rules so you’re not disqualified and all of your hard work goes for nothing. Not all Pinewood Derbies are the same, so make sure to check with your local Scout District/Council rules to see if anything is different.

  • Car Specifications: Width: 2-3/4”; Length: 7”; Weight: Maximum of 5 Ounces; Width between wheels: 1-3/4”
  • The car must have been made during the year in which derby is being held.
  • Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
  • The car shall not ride on springs.
  • Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.
  • Only dry lubricant is permitted.
  • Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.
  • The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
  • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete.
  • If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment.

    • After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

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