Welcome Race Fans!  It’s time to get ready for the 2023 Pack 333 Pinewood Derby!
One of the most memorable, if not the, event of the Cub Scout calendar is the annual Pinewood Derby race!

Pack 333 will be holding their event Saturday Feb 11th, noon until 4pm, at the Worthington Morolo Pavilion. 

The Pinewood Derby is Cub Scouting’s most memorable event and is a great way for Scouts to learn and have fun working together with their parents or caregivers.  Siblings and adults are welcome to participate also – sibling and adult car kits can be purchased for $8 each. 

Key Dates for 2023:

• December 14th: Car kits passed out at Pack meeting

• Dec-Feb: Scouts work on building their cars

• January 22, 28 or 29: Build Day at Hobbyland Clintonville. Just turn up.

• Wednesday Feb 8: Weigh-In Night, 6:30-7:30pm Evening Street Elementary.

• Saturday Feb 11" Pinewood Derby Race Day, Mirolo Pavilion (noon-4:00pm)

Car Construction: 

Each Scout will be given a car kit containing the essentials needed to construct their race car – wood, wheels, and axles.   If you don’t have woodworking tools, no worries!  Local stores including Hobbyland in Clintonville and Woodcraft on Bethel Rd. offer free car cutting services.   Hobbyland also offers other car accessories including car weights, paints, and even a test track where you can test out your car. 
Creativity is encouraged in your car building!  Awards will be given to Scouts for their creativity, inspiration, and participation in car construction.  

Weigh-In Night: 

The week of Pinewood Derby, all race participants must bring their cars to weigh-in for registration and inspection.  Entries will not be allowed after weigh-in night.  Scouts will be interviewed about their car, then their car will be inspected.  See the Derby Kit Rules on the back of this information sheet.  If your car passes inspection, it will be impounded and kept until the Derby.  If it fails inspection, you may fix any issues and your car will be re-inspected the morning of the race. 

Race Day:  

The Pinewood Derby is planned for Saturday February 11 at Mirolo Pavilion, which is located on the Flats west of Thomas Worthington High School, by the Olentangy Trail. 
All participants will receive a participation patch, and the top racers will receive trophies.
The Turtle Award will go to the racer with the slowest cumulative time in the races (must cross the finish line in all heats).   Additional details about race timing and heats will be circulated via email before the Derby.  

Volunteer Opportunities: 

Adult volunteers are welcomed and needed to make the Derby a success!  Opportunities include inspecting cars and interviewing Scouts at weigh-in night, assisting with track setup, assisting with running the race software, serving as a car runner, and coordinating refreshments.  See recent pack email communication for sign-up form link.

DERBY KIT RULES:

• Maximum width 2 3/4"

• Maximum length 7"

• Weight not over 5 ounces

• Minimum width between wheels 1 3/4"

• Minimum clearance between car and track 3/8"

• Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited

• The car shall not ride on springs

• Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted

• Only dry lubricant is permitted

• Details, such as steering wheel and driver, are permitted as long as these details fit within the length, width, and weight specifications

• The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices

• Each car must pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in period to make adjustments

• After final approval, cars will be impounded and will not be reinspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race

• FAILURE TO MEET ALL SPECIFICATIONS MAY RESULT IN A CAR THAT WILL NOT ROLL PROPERLY ON THE TRACK AND WILL FAIL INSPECTION

Downloadable version of info sheet here