Our MOST Frequently Asked Questions
What rules do you use?
Yours! Cub Scout Pinewood Derby rules are set at the local level and we will implement the ones you choose. At a most basic level, we ask that cars be crafted so that they fit on our track and less than 5 inches tall so they do not damage our timer.
Pinewood Pro has some simple rules here.
The full BSA training guide on running a Pinewood Derby is here.
The most important rule is that everyone has a great time!
Where can I get Pinewood kits, weights, etc.?
Car kits are available from BSA, local hobby and craft stores, and many online retailers.
What kind of space do I need?
Our track requires an area of approximately 50 feet by 10 feet with power available at at least one end of the space. Many of our groups find that gyms, lobbies, worship areas, and large meeting rooms work well for their events. We cannot run outdoor events as our direct sunlight interferes with our timer. Our equipment is on wheels, fits through standard doorways, and can use most accessibility ramps.
What does Pinewood Nuts bring? What do we need to provide?
Our setup includes
42' aluminum 4 lane track
MicroWizard timer
laptop and printer
data projector
staging stadium (100 car capacity)
race crew of 2-4 (depending on size and availability)
portable PA system
You provide
the event location
a master of ceremonies
one additional volunteer
racers who want to have a great time!
How long does a pinewood derby last?
We plan to be onsite for 2-4 hours for a race, depending on the size of your group.
Our sample event timeline is here
Who races and when?
During our main race, each car will race one time in each lane, against other cars in the same grouping (for scouts, wolves vs. wolves, outlaws vs. outlaws).
To help keep the crowd energized and engaged, we run a 'Master Schedule' that randomizes the order of groups, so no one gets tired of running many heats of the same group in a row.
When the main race is completed, we take a predetermined number of the fastest cars in each group (usually top 3) to a Grand Finals, where cars will run against all groupings, one time in each lane.
Is my derby too far for you?
Pinewood Nuts operates primarily in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. We calculate a reasonable fuel charge for all events based on the distance from our track storage to the event location to help keep our overall prices low.
Do you have awards? What are some good show awards?
Pinewood Nuts does not have trophies or awards. We are happy to help you present your awards or participate in judging show categories.
Here are some of the show categories we've seen:
Most fuel efficient/turtle
Best craftsmanship
Best paint job
Most realistic
Most futuristic
Most colorful
Most patriotic
Funny car (you decide what this means)
Scout’s Choice (Cub Scouts themselves pick a winner)
Yours! Cub Scout Pinewood Derby rules are set at the local level and we will implement the ones you choose. At a most basic level, we ask that cars be crafted so that they fit on our track and less than 5 inches tall so they do not damage our timer.
Pinewood Pro has some simple rules here.
The full BSA training guide on running a Pinewood Derby is here.
The most important rule is that everyone has a great time!
Where can I get Pinewood kits, weights, etc.?
Car kits are available from BSA, local hobby and craft stores, and many online retailers.
What kind of space do I need?
Our track requires an area of approximately 50 feet by 10 feet with power available at at least one end of the space. Many of our groups find that gyms, lobbies, worship areas, and large meeting rooms work well for their events. We cannot run outdoor events as our direct sunlight interferes with our timer. Our equipment is on wheels, fits through standard doorways, and can use most accessibility ramps.
What does Pinewood Nuts bring? What do we need to provide?
Our setup includes
42' aluminum 4 lane track
MicroWizard timer
laptop and printer
data projector
staging stadium (100 car capacity)
race crew of 2-4 (depending on size and availability)
portable PA system
You provide
the event location
a master of ceremonies
one additional volunteer
racers who want to have a great time!
How long does a pinewood derby last?
We plan to be onsite for 2-4 hours for a race, depending on the size of your group.
Our sample event timeline is here
Who races and when?
During our main race, each car will race one time in each lane, against other cars in the same grouping (for scouts, wolves vs. wolves, outlaws vs. outlaws).
To help keep the crowd energized and engaged, we run a 'Master Schedule' that randomizes the order of groups, so no one gets tired of running many heats of the same group in a row.
When the main race is completed, we take a predetermined number of the fastest cars in each group (usually top 3) to a Grand Finals, where cars will run against all groupings, one time in each lane.
Is my derby too far for you?
Pinewood Nuts operates primarily in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. We calculate a reasonable fuel charge for all events based on the distance from our track storage to the event location to help keep our overall prices low.
Do you have awards? What are some good show awards?
Pinewood Nuts does not have trophies or awards. We are happy to help you present your awards or participate in judging show categories.
Here are some of the show categories we've seen:
Most fuel efficient/turtle
Best craftsmanship
Best paint job
Most realistic
Most futuristic
Most colorful
Most patriotic
Funny car (you decide what this means)
Scout’s Choice (Cub Scouts themselves pick a winner)
