District-wide Pinewood Derby - 2026
Get Ready to RACE!
Welcome to the 2026 Wabash Valley District's Annual Pinewood Derby!
One again this year, our Race Sponsor is 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!
This year's racing action is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st and is open to all registered Cubs in Putnam, Sullivan, Clay, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties! Whether your Pack held a Pinewood Derby or not, you're still invited to be part of this annual, action-packed event!
Woodrow Wilson Middle School (South Side Auxiliary Gym- 301 S. 25th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana
Registration 9 - 11:00
First race will begin as soon as 12 cars are registered
Fastest 12 cars will race for trophies at 11:00
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.
