The Pinewood Derby provides the opportunity for boys to learn new skills, develop sportmanship, and have fun.

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting. Every year more than a million boys and parents team up to carve, decorate, weigh, adjust, fret over, and finally race a Pinewood Derby car. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California, and as of 1991 (Ref. 1992 BSA Retail Catalog) more than 81 million Pinewood Derby model car kits have been sold. Wow!!

The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun. The model cars are made of wood to specified dimensions, created, carved, assembled, and decorated by Cub Scouts under the guidance of the parents or helpers. The cars are gravity powered and run down a special track.