The annual Pinewood Derby races are scheduled on Saturday Feb 28, 2026, in conjunction with our Blue and Gold Banquet. This will allow the Pack to participate in the Plant City Trains, Planes and Autos on February 21. The venue will be Wilson Elementary School, 702 English Street, Plant City, the same place as last year. This is about 3 blocks east of Alexander Street on Garden Street.
Cubs should have received a car kit at the December Pack Meeting. If you do not have a car, see a leader to get a kit. Additional cars for adults and siblings are available from the pack for $7.
Tentative Schedule for the events:
3:00 – PWD car checkin opens
4:00 – PWD Races begin
5:45 – Blue and Gold Dinner
6:30 – Blue and Gold Program
Our Blue & Gold banquet is to celebrate the heritage of scouting, and to honor our leaders. We will have a semi-catered meal, with BBQ pork, baked beans, cole slaw, sweet tea and lemonade, and disposable plates & plasticware provided. If you would like, you can bring a side dish to complement this. There is no cost , but we would like preregistration so we can provide adequate food. All family members are invited.
The PineWood Derby competition will be for both speed and design. There will be independent speed competition for Lions, for Tigers, for Wolf, for Bears, for Webelos, and for Arrow of Light, and a separate races for adults and for other youth. In addition to awards for speed, the Pack will have awards for design and construction.
We expect the design categories for district competition include: Best Movie theme cars, Best Scout Theme cars, Best Nature Theme cars, Most Patriotic cars, Best Video Game cars, and Best Food cars. The pack will also give awards for these categories. Note that there are far fewer cars entered in the design competition, and 3 times more potential awards given.
We will follow the construction rules for the Timucua District competition. A few highlights of the rules: You must use the BSA block, wheels,and axles (nails); Maximum weight is 5.00 ounces; you can change the axle location, but you must maintain the original wheelbase length; the farthest front of the car must be in the center. At the pack check-in, we will make reasonable modifications to allow every car to comply with rules and pass the inspection. If requested, we will also attach wheels and add graphite to the axles at the check-in. (Installing the second side of wheels can affect the first side’s wheels if not done carefully.) Once the car passes inspection, it will be impounded and only handled by race officials. Please – No Wet Paint! Be aware that the cars are stopped at the finish line by running under a piece of foam; anything mounted on the top of the car may be damaged if not securely attached.
Following the Pinewood Derby, we will have a (mostly) catered Blue and Gold Banquet dinner and program to celebrate Scouting heritage and recognize our leaders. All family members are invited to attend. There are opportunities to bring beverages, side dishes and desserts. There is no charge for this Pack event, but we need pre-registration in order to provide adequate supplies.