The Pinewood Derby is one of the most notable and memorable activities in Cub Scouting.  Every year over a million boys shape, decorate, and race their entry in local events.

The first Pinewood Derby was held May 15, 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California where 55 boys built and raced their cars just like older boys did in the Soap Box Derby.  "I wanted to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition" said Don Murphy, Founder of the Pinewood Derby.

BSA added the Pinewood Derby to the Cub Scout program in 1955. The specifications and rules appeared in the October 1954 issue of “Boy’s Life” magazine.  Since that day, more than 85 million Pinewood Derby model car kits have been sold!

Fun Fact:  The Pinewood Derby cars can reach over 7.5 miles per hour on our aluminum track.  That’s over 185 scale miles per hour and some get close to 200!  That means if these were real-sized cars, they’d be rolling faster than most of you would care to drive them!  (Especially since they’re made of wood and have no brakes!).

(Special Thanks)