Pinewood Derby

Pinewood derby 2025

Who

Scouts of all ranks, parents, and siblings are welcome! Scouts will race to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place by rank, Best of Show by rank, and a chance to compete in the Pack Championship for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and Best in Show overall. Siblings (and parents young at heart) can race for fun. Bring Grandma and Grandpa for a day of fun and food.

What

Pinewood Derby is a racing event for unpowered, unmanned miniature cars made from a block of pine wood.  Scouts design and build their cars with parental assistance. Pinewood Derby is a half-day event. We will serve food at cost for a cheap snack or lunch. We will have activities in the cafeteria for the youth not racing.

Kits are free to all Scouts and extras are available for $5.00/each for siblings or parents.

Only official BSA Pinewood Derby kits provided by the Pack are permitted. Only wood, axles, and wheels from the official BSA Pinewood Derby kits provided by the Pack are permitted.

The Pack will host a build day for families at The Point at Otterbein where we will have the expertise and tools to assist with designing, cutting, sanding, and building and weighing your Scout's car. 

When

Pinewood Derby Build Day - January 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm @ The Point at Otterbein, 60 Collegeview Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

• • 9:00 am - 10:00 am Lions & Tigers

  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am Wolves & Bears

  • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Webelos & AoLs

Pinewood Derby Race Day - February 8, 11:00 am @ Mark Twain Elementary

• • 11:00 am to 12:00 pm All Ranks Open Registration

  • 12:00 pm to 12:15 pm Welcome Ceremony

  • 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm Rank Races: Arrow of Light, Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos

  • 1:45 pm to 2:00 pm Intermission

  • 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm Pack Championship Race

  • 2:15 pm to 2:30 pm Awards Presentation

  • 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm Sibling Race

Where

Pinewood Derby Build Day - The Point at Otterbein, 60 Collegeview Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

Pinewood Derby Race Day - Mark Twain Elementary, 799 E Walnut St, Westerville, OH 43081

Pinewood Derby Build Day

January 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 am @ The Point at Otterbein, 60 Collegeview Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

Not handy, don't have the tools needed, or just need inspiration? Join the Pack at The Point at Otterbein where you can design, cut, sand, assemble and weigh your Scout's Pinewood Derby car! Anyone of any skill level is welcome. We will have all the tools and adults with the necessary skills to assist.

• • 9:00 am - 10:00 am Lions & Tigers

  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am Wolves & Bears

  • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Webelos & AoLs

Pinewood Derby Race Day

February 8, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Mark Twain Elementary, 799 E Walnut St, Westerville, OH 43081

Pinewood Derby is a half-day event. Scouts will race to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place by rank, Best of Show by rank, and a chance to compete in the Pack Championship for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and Best in Show overall. Siblings (and parents young at heart) can race for fun. Bring Grandma and Grandpa for a day of fun and food. We will serve food at cost for a cheap snack or lunch. 

On race day, your Scout will:

1. Stop by the pit - Use the scales, weights, and tools to make any last-minute adjustments and verify your car is exactly 5oz. Your car must be fully built – minor adjustments only!

2. Complete your car inspection - Here the race officials will inspect your car and safely store it until you are ready to race. Once you’ve passed inspection, you will receive your official Check-In Sheet!

3. Check-in - Take your Check-In Sheet to the registration table to pass the driver's test and pick up your official Pack 966 Driver's License. This will be your official entry into the Pack 966 Pinewood Derby race!

We need adult and Scouts BSA sibling volunteers to join the Pack 966 Race Day Event Team: 

Setup Crew helps set up the race track and chairs starting at 9:00 am 

Race Ambassadors welcome and direct families through each stage of race day registration

Pit Crew helps Scouts make last-minute adjustments prior to final weigh-in (experience with hand tools and small power tools necessary)

Inspection Officials perform the final inspection and weigh-in of all cars

Driver Registration Officials administer Driver's exams and issue official Pack 966 Pinewood Derby Driver's Licenses

Starting Line Officials handle cars and load and release the race track starting gate

Timing Judge runs the race day timing software and is responsible for race results and awards (intermediate computer skills necessary)

Race Announcer provides race announcements and color commentary

Concessions Staff prepare and serve concessions and snacks

Cleanup Crew helps tear down the track and clean up the gym

Volunteer Signup coming soon