Overview (!!See Schedule for 2022 Impound Night and Pinewood Races at bottom of page)
The Pinewood Derby is a racing event for unpowered, miniature wood cars. Pinewood Derby’s are run by Pack 735 (you). As a reminder, Pack 735 is run by you, parent…your involvement & contribution is expected and treasured.
Scouts build their own cars from wood (kits provided by the Pack), from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
NOTE, we follow the OFFICIAL Pinewood Rules-so no special axles are allowed… rules at bottom of post
You can google Cub Scout Pinewood Derby or Pinewood Derby Car Templates and find all manner of car design and race ideas…just keep in mind, we follow the Official Rules.
Please keep the cars Scout appropriate…nothing offensive please! (if you don’t know what that means you may need to turn in your parenting/adult license) 🙂
Some things to keep in mind… paint your car before putting the wheels on. AND, most important, an adult should put the wheels on the car! Please google how to put wheels on the car and be mindful of the official rules.
Email pinewood@readingpack735.org if you have any questions.
“Cut Night” or “Cut Day” (when you cut out cars)
For Pack 735, the Pack provides the car kits for all scouts. Every year, usually in mid to late January (except for COVID years), we hold a cut night in the St. Athanasius basement to shape the cars. We also provide templates for design, sanding paper and eye protection. (see Pack Calendar for Date)
For.. see our main page for the latest Cut Day location and schedule!
For our January 20th, 2022 event use this location and schedule:
- Location: The Spirit of Adventure Council Main Entrance at
- Tower Office Park, 2, Woburn MA
- Near the Woburn Scout Shop but not same Entrance!!
- Tower Office Park, 2, Woburn MA
- Schedule -cutnight 1/20/2022:
- 6PM – 6:30 Lions (K) & AOL’s (5th grade)
- 6:30-7PM Tigers (1st) & Webelos1 (4th)
- 7-7:30PM Wolves (2nd) and Bears (3rd)
- Note- if you have multiple Scouts…pick one time slot that works best for your family
Pinewood Derby car templates_1
You will want to find a Car Design Template prior to arrival…the templates can be found above or via the Google search… includes a 1:1 scale drawing of top and side view. You cut out the top and side view, tape to your Scouts car and we help you cut out the primary shape. You sand, paint, wheel and decorate.
Want some ideas? Check out this video from our World Champ Pinewood Derby Scout!
Also, see pics below of some awesome and fun cars made by Scouts (not parents) from Pack 735!
Impound Night (turn in cars)
This usually takes place the Friday prior to race day, 6-7PM at St Athanasius PAC however please check main page schedule for date and location, esp during COVID year.
This is the time when you turn in your completed Pinewood Car, weigh in your car and have your car tagged for racing. All cars must be 5ounces or less, no exceptions. If your car is over 5.0 ounces you will need to remove weight to get the car under 5.0 ounces. (see Pack Calendar for Date)
Race Day! (race the cars)
The Pinewood Derby race will be on Saturday, -see the Pack Calendar for time and race slots. Please note, during pandemic we are racing in limited group brackets to reduce group size. Check the main site and calendar for your bracket and RACE TIME. Scouts should be in Class A uniforms, tucked in and looking sharp. (see Pack Calendar for Date)
Below are the official Flintlock District Rules for 2019
More info and rules HERE at ScoutLife online
For questions, email pinewood@readingpack735.org.
2022 Schedule!!!
Impound Night! Friday, 2/11/2022 6-8PM @ St. Athanasius Parish Center
- This is when you turn in completed Cars for racing on Saturday
- All Scouts, All racers… Yes, Mom and Dad and Siblings, you can race and must turn in your car!
Pinewood Derby! Saturday, 2/12/2022 @ Joshua Eaton Elementary
- The event will take place at the Joshua Eaton Cafeteria, please see below for the schedule
| Arrival Time | Den |
| 9 am | Set up |
| 10:00 | AOL; 5th Grade |
| 10:15 | Web 1, 4th Grade |
| 10:30 | Bears, 3rd Grade |
| 10:45 | Wolves; 2nd Grade |
| 11:00 | Tigers; 1st Grade |
| 11:15 | Lions; Kindergarten |
| 11:30 | Family Race |
| 11:45 | Championship (entire Pack!) |
| 12:00 | Breakdown |
We look forward to seeing everyone at this event
Reminder we continue to be required to wear masks for all indoor activities regardless of vaccination status at this time
Reading Cub Scout Pack 735 