District-wide Pinewood Derby - 2026
Get Ready to RACE!
It was another great day of racing for the 2026 Wabash Valley District's Annual Pinewood Derby!
As in past years, our Race Sponsor was Terre Haute's Finzel's Mastertech. We want to thank them for their ongoing support of both the Pinewood Derby and Scouting in the Wabash Valley!
Held on February 21st, the event was open to all registered Cubs in Putnam, Sullivan, Clay, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties! Whether their Packs held a Pinewood Derby or not, all Cubs were still invited to be part of this annual, action-packed event!
We look forward to next year's race...keep checking back to this page for details!
General Pinewood Derby Rules
Pinewood Derby Car Specifications
Maximum limits:
- Length: ≤ 7 inches.
- Width: ≤ 2¾ inches including wheels.
- Weight: ≤ 5.0 ounces (official scale).
- Wheelbase & Clearance:
- Minimum wheel-to-wheel clearance ~1¾″
- Minimum ground clearance ~3/8″ so the car doesn’t rub on the track.
- Minimum wheel-to-wheel clearance ~1¾″
Parts & Construction Rules
These help keep the race fair and fun:
- Car body must be made from the official Pinewood Derby kit wood or if using a pre-cut car bodies, they must follow the size guidelines.
- Axles and wheels must come from the official BSA kit or official BSA replacements.
- No aftermarket wheel bearings, washers, bushings, or springs.
- No liquid lubricants (only dry graphite/silicone).
- Car must be free-wheeling (no starting devices, motors, etc.).
- No loose materials inside the car.
Car Eligibility & Participation
- The car must be built this year (2026) for the current Pinewood Derby season (not reused from past years).
- The Scout must be present to race his/her car.
- Cars are impounded after inspection and no further changes are allowed.
Race Day Rules
- Cars run in heats and often multiple times (once in each lane) and timing is done electronically
- If a car leaves its lane or interferes, reruns or defaults may happen.
- Judges’ decisions are final.
