Car guide

Pick up your kit, build your car, and get ready to race.

Car kit pickup

Bring $10 per registered racer for event registration and your car kit.

Where

4804 NW 2nd Court
Ankeny, IA 50023

Check your GPS: it should take you to the intersection of Abbie Dr and 2nd Street.

When

Monday-Friday
6-9 pm
Saturday-Sunday
9 am-9 pm

No pickup December 20-28.

Pickup is self-service, so there’s no need to call. Car kits are in a box by the front door. Leave your payment in the envelope provided.

If these times don’t work for you, email ankenygirlscouts@gmail.com.

Decorated pinewood derby cars lined up before racing.

Rules & guidelines

Every car needs these to race
  • Your race number, visible on the car. You get it when you register online.
  • An arrow on the bottom of the car pointing the way you want it to go down the track.

Car specifications

Most measurements match the kit’s original block of wood.

Maximum width
2¾ inches
Maximum length
7 inches
Maximum height
4¼ inches
Maximum weight
5 ounces
Minimum width between wheels
1¾ inches
Minimum bottom clearance
⅜ inch
Distance between axles
4⅜-4½ inches

General rules

  • Bearings, washers, and bushings are not permitted on wheels. Washers may be used as car weights.
  • The car must not ride on springs.
  • Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.
  • Only dry lubricant is permitted.
  • The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
  • Every car must pass inspection. If adjustments are needed, you’ll have time to make them.
  • Cars must have four wheels, and all four must contact the track.

Construction & design

Make it their own

Let your Girl Scout draw a shape on the side of the block, use a coping saw to cut it out, and smooth the edges with sandpaper. A simple clamp helps hold the block steady, and an adult can help with the cutting.

It doesn’t need to look perfect. A little imperfection shows the creativity and hard work your Girl Scout put into her car. Building together can be a great bonding activity.

Need a hand with woodworking?

Contact Todd for help. He can assist with individual cars or arrange a troop building session in his garage.

Wheels & weight

Make sure the wheels roll freely and bring the car close to the 5-ounce limit without going over. Smooth wheels and good weight give it the best chance of reaching the finish line.

Paint & decorations

There are plenty of pinewood derby design ideas online. Todd’s family has had good results with Crayola washable kids’ paint, including glitter and metallic colors. Let your Scout choose a design that feels like her own.

The local Boy Scout store carries approved accessories and decals:

Mid-Iowa Scout Shop
7900 Hickman Road
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 265-5990