The Pinewood Derby is a popular scouting event in which Cub Scouts race small wooden cars that they have designed and built themselves. It is a fun and exciting way for young boys to learn about engineering and physics, as well as teamwork and sportsmanship. Participants design and build their cars using a kit that includes a block of wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
They are then able to decorate and customize their cars in any way they choose, using paint, stickers, and other materials. Once the cars are finished, they are weighed and inspected to ensure that they meet the size and weight requirements, and then they are ready to race. The Pinewood Derby is a thrilling and memorable experience for Cub Scouts and their families, and it is a great way to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
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Pinewood Derby Templates
“Pinewood Derby Templates” are pre-designed blueprints or patterns that provide a starting point for creating customized pinewood derby cars. These templates serve as valuable tools for participants in pinewood derby races, such as scouts or hobbyists, by offering guidance and inspiration for designing and building their own miniature cars.
Pinewood derby is a popular racing event where participants construct small wooden cars and compete in a gravity-powered race. Pinewood derby templates typically include a basic outline or shape of the car, along with markings indicating key areas such as the wheelbase, axle slots, weight placement, and overall dimensions.
Pinewood derby templates offer a variety of designs and styles, catering to different preferences and creativity levels. They can feature various car body shapes, such as sleek and aerodynamic designs, classic car styles, or imaginative and unique creations, allowing participants to personalize their cars to reflect their own interests or themes.
Pinewood Derby History

The Pinewood Derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts that was first held in 1953 by the Cub Scouts of America’s Manhattan Beach Council. It was created by Don Murphy, a Cub Scout leader, as a way to provide an exciting and meaningful activity for boys in the Cub Scout program.
The original Pinewood Derby was held at the Scout House in Manhattan Beach, California, and it was a great success. The event quickly spread to other councils, and it became a beloved tradition in Cub Scouting.
In the early years of the Pinewood Derby, the cars were made from pine blocks that were cut into the shape of a small car. They were powered by gravity, and the races were held on a track that was made of wood. Over time, the rules and regulations for the Pinewood Derby have evolved, and the cars are now made from a standard kit that includes a block of wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles. The races are held on aluminum tracks, and the cars are powered by gravity alone.
Today, the Pinewood Derby is a beloved tradition in Cub Scouting, and it is enjoyed by millions of boys and their families all over the world. It is a fun and exciting way for young boys to learn about engineering, physics, and sportsmanship, and it is a great way to encourage creativity and teamwork.
Types of Pinewood Derby
There are several different types of Pinewood Derby events that are held by Cub Scout councils around the world. Some common types include:
Traditional Pinewood Derby: This is the most common type of Pinewood Derby, in which Cub Scouts build and race small wooden cars that they have designed and constructed themselves using a standard kit that includes a block of wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
Open Class Pinewood Derby: This is a variant of the traditional Pinewood Derby in which participants are allowed to use more advanced materials and techniques to build their cars. This may include using different types of wood or other materials, or incorporating electronic components or other modifications.
Grand Prix Pinewood Derby: This is a variant of the traditional Pinewood Derby in which the races are held on a larger track, and the cars are powered by a motor rather than by gravity alone.
Racing Series Pinewood Derby: This is a series of Pinewood Derby events that are held over a period of time, with the results of each event contributing to a cumulative score. The Cub Scout with the highest score at the end of the series is declared the winner.
Family Pinewood Derby: This is a variant of the traditional Pinewood Derby in which family members are encouraged to participate in the event and build their own cars.
Alumni Pinewood Derby: This is a variant of the traditional Pinewood Derby in which former Cub Scouts are invited to participate in the event and build their own cars.
Each of these types of Pinewood Derby events has its own unique characteristics and rules, and they can all be great fun for participants and spectators alike.
Types of Pinewood Derby Templates
Pinewood Derby templates are helpful resources that can be used to design and build a car for the Pinewood Derby, a popular scouting event in which Cub Scouts race small wooden cars that they have designed and built themselves. There are several different types of Pinewood Derby templates available, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
Here are some popular ones:
Blank car template: This is a basic template that shows the dimensions and shape of the car as specified by the Pinewood Derby rules, but does not include any specific design elements. It can be used as a starting point for designing and building a car from scratch.
Car Pinewood Derby template: This is a template that shows a traditional car shape, with a hood, body, and wheels. It can be used as a starting point for designing and building a car that resembles a real vehicle.
Comet car template: This is a template that shows a car with a sleek, aerodynamic shape, like a comet or a bullet. It can be used to create a fast and agile car for the Pinewood Derby.
Cub bus template: This is a template that shows a bus or van shape, with a large body and multiple wheels. It can be used to create a larger, more distinctive car for the Pinewood Derby.
Midget racer template: This is a template that shows a small, compact car shape, like a midget racer or a go-kart. It can be used to create a maneuverable and lightweight car for the Pinewood Derby.
Bullet car template: This is a template that shows a car with a long, slender shape, like a bullet. It can be used to create a fast and streamlined car for the Pinewood Derby.
Rocket template: This is a template that shows a rocket shape, with a pointed nose and fins. It can be used to create a unique and eye-catching car for the Pinewood Derby.
How to make your own Pinewood Derby template and car
- Start by finding a design for your car. You can either create your own design or look online for inspiration.
- Gather the materials you will need to build your car. This includes a block of pinewood, wheels, axles, and any other decorations or details you want to add to your car.
- Use a saw to cut the pinewood block into the shape of your car. You can use a template or draw your own design onto the wood to guide you.
- Drill holes for the axles in the front and back of the car. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and deep enough for the axles to fit through.
- Attach the wheels to the axles and insert the axles into the holes on the car. Make sure the wheels are evenly spaced and spin freely.
- Add any additional details or decorations to the car, such as paint, stickers, or decals.
- Test your car to make sure it rolls smoothly and is balanced. Make any necessary adjustments before the race.
Tips for using a Pinewood Derby template
Here are some tips for using Pinewood Derby templates:
Make sure you have the right tools: To use a Pinewood Derby template, you’ll need a saw, drill, and other basic woodworking tools. Make sure you have everything you need before you start building your car.
Follow the instructions: Each Pinewood Derby template will come with its own set of instructions. Be sure to read and follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your car turns out correctly.
Test fit before cutting: Before you start cutting the wood, it’s a good idea to test fit the template on the block of pinewood to make sure it will fit correctly. This will help you avoid making mistakes and wasting wood.
Use a straight edge: When cutting the wood, use a straight edge or a ruler to help you get straight, clean cuts.
Take your time: Building a Pinewood Derby car can be a fun and rewarding project, but it can also be time-consuming. Don’t rush the process โ take your time and pay attention to detail to ensure that your car turns out the way you want it to.
FAQs
What is the Pinewood Derby?
The Pinewood Derby is a racing event for small, handmade wooden cars, often associated with Cub Scouts. Participants build their own cars from kits and race them on a downhill track.
How do you build a Pinewood Derby car?
You start with a kit containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles. The wood block can be carved, shaved, and sanded into a desired shape, then painted and decorated before attaching the wheels and axles.
What are the rules for Pinewood Derby?
Rules can vary, but common rules include specific dimensions and weight, using only materials provided in the kit, and prohibiting powered mechanisms or sticky substances on wheels.
How can I make my Pinewood Derby car go faster?
Tips for speed include carving the wood as aerodynamically as possible, sanding the wheels to reduce friction, lubricating the axles, and placing the weight toward the rear of the car.
Can adults participate in Pinewood Derby?
Traditionally, Pinewood Derby is for children, especially Cub Scouts. However, some organizations or events may have adult or open categories.
How do you weigh a Pinewood Derby car?
Cars are usually weighed on a precise scale, often provided by the event organizers. Weights can be added to the car to meet the maximum allowable weight.
What is the history of the Pinewood Derby?
Pinewood Derby began in 1953 when Cubmaster Don Murphy of Manhattan Beach, California created the event for his son and other scouts to participate in an exciting, competitive, and hands-on activity.
How do you paint and decorate a Pinewood Derby car?
After carving and sanding, apply a primer and allow it to dry. Then paint your car with a design of your choice. Decorations can be added as long as they adhere to the event rules.
What are some common Pinewood Derby awards or prizes?
Awards can include fastest car, best design, most creative, among others. Prizes are often ribbons, medals, or trophies.
Where can I find Pinewood Derby kits and accessories?
Kits and accessories can be found at scout shops, hobby stores, or online retailers. Always ensure any additional accessories comply with your event’s rules.