The Pinewood Derby enjoys the reputation as one of Cub Scouting's most challenging and memorable experiences. For over 45 years the Pinewood Derby Challenge has brought father and son together like no other event. Enjoy reading the history of the event by clicking on this link:

http://www.pinewoodpro.com/pinewood-derby-history.htm

Essentially, a "standardized" block of wood, wheels and axles are customized according to the imagination, limitation, skill and luck of the builder and his partner (in most cases this is his father).

1. The vehicle (because over the years, the word "car" just is not descriptive enough) is placed on a track which is raised to an elevation at the starting point, and designed to keep the car in its numbered lane by a raised "guide" (which is why there are standardized wheel widths). Cars have an inspection and "weigh in" to then are not touched by the owner until racing has finished.

2. The track typically has a dowel which holds the car in place until released, then gravity takes over until the finish line determines the winner. Over the past 10 years or so, most tracks now have an electronic "laser" finish to determine the true winner (of that heat). This information is typically fed to a computer and projector for display to the audience.

3. Cars are typically run on each lane of the track and an average of the times for that vehicle determines the winner (to avoid any debate over track irregularities).

4. The winner of that heat (after all averages) races against the winner of the next heat, etc., until an "overall winner" is determined. The BEST TIME, determined by computer tracking determines the winner in all cases. Prizes or trophies are typically awarded to the winners by ranking.

As you can see, this event has really taken off, as "most of us" have been touched by this classic event in some way or another.

SOMEWHERE... ALONG THE PATH...

As the event grew in popularity (in fact, it has become "the event" of Cub Scouting, And, in many cases, the adult "helper" became as engrossed in the spirt as his son.

Over the years, "Adult Derby's" have sprung up along the way. In fact, companies, military bases, and more have used the idea of a simple derby for TEAM BUILDING as well as BRAGGING RIGHTS! Witness a few sites to get the idea.

http://www.adultderby.com/

http://www.fundracer.com/bizweb.asp

As you can see from these links... ADULTS really get into it!

In fact, just a type in "Pinewood Derby" and take a tour around Google and Ebay to see just how popular this event has become.

This is the idea behind the Washington Trails District event. Click here for more info on the idea of this event and the local BSA.




The photos used in this website have been taken from websites highlighting various Pinewood derbys. We give credit to them. They are used for concept only, as it is not possible for us to show photos of a future event.