Gentlemen! Start Your Engines and Welcome to the Greater Dan Beard District Pinewood Derby

Our annual District Pinewood Derby event is open to all chartered Pack Units that are in the Dan Beard District of the Middle Tennessee Council. All participating Scouts must be registered members of a Pack Unit on the race date.

Pinewood Derby Industry Emerges

The Pinewood Derby car has evolved into an industry in recent years. Many different organizations utilize pinewood derby races for similar child development goals. As a result, construction rules and guidelines vary widely among organizations. In the following pages, you will notice that heavy emphasis is placed using the BSA Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit. The Dan Beard District construction rules resemble the goals of this event by "leveling the playing field" for all participants while still allowing for creativity in car design. 

What Really Matters

Like many other Cub & Family events, the Pinewood Derby is designed to facilitate family interaction and build upon early character development. Upon constructing the pinewood derby car, the individual talents of each Cub Scout will excel in some areas but not in others. It's teaching a boy how to deal with these "How Do I" situations that is most important, not winning a race.

Please do not build a car beyond your boy's interest and talent. Proud ownership comes from effort, not gifts. Yes, some parents struggle more than others in motivating their cub scout to get started on the car. Do Your Best!

Scouts that participated in Pack Unit Pinewood Derby races this year have spend quality time with an adult team partner(s) creating a unique car to be proudly displayed. Yes, only a hand full of scouts will win a trophy; but, every scout that participated is a champion!