Girl Scouts #305
2026 Pinewood Derby
Welcome to the 2026 Service Unit 305 Pinewood Derby, an event hosted by Troop #3418 and designed to provide a fun, safe, and exciting environment where our girls can race their handcrafted derby cars and celebrate teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition.
Venue Highlights:
🏎 Spacious Event Area – Plenty of room for the racetrack, spectator seating, and activity stations.
🏆 Awards & Celebration Zone – A special stage for recognizing top racers and creative designs.
🚗 Convenient Parking – Ample parking available for participants and spectators.
What to Expect
Upon arrival, participants will check in and retrieve their cars (they will be turned in for qualification inspection the week prior).
The high-energy races will take place on a well-maintained track, and leaders, families, and friends are encouraged to cheer on their scouts.
After the races, we’ll celebrate achievements with some fun awards!
Join us at Berea Bible Church for an unforgettable Pinewood Derby experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and Girl Scout spirit!
Awards
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Gold - One per level
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Silver - One per level
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Bronze - One per level
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Gold All Around
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Silver All Around
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Bronze All Around
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Daddy Derby Winner Sash
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Grand Champion Trophy (Gold all around vs Daddy Derby Winner)
Design Awards
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Most Creative Design
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Best Craftsmanship
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Best Paint Job
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Girl Scouts Choice
Important Dates
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Registration Deadline
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February 18, 2026
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Payment Deadline
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February 18, 2026
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Car Pickup Dates
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February 22, 2026 ~ 10:00 - 1:00
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February 23, 2026 ~ 3:00 - 7:00
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Workshops
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February 25, 2026 ~ 6:00 - 8:00
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March 8, 2026 ~ 2:00 - 4:00
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Drop Off Windows for Inspection
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March 19, 2026 ~ 4:00 - 6:00
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March 21, 2016 ~ 11:00 - 1:00
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Inspection Turn In Deadline
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March 22, 2026
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See below for Drop Off, Turn In and Workshop Location
Attention all
Girl Scout Dads!!
Don't forget about the
Dad Derby!
Design your own car and race other Girl Scout Dads for the Dad Derby title!
Winner will take on the Girl Scout Grand Champion for the ultimate 2026 GS Pinewood Derby bragging rights!
Rules and Regulations
The Car
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The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces
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The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
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The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
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The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 5 inches
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The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
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The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired.
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The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels.
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The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or lubricated.
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Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
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The car must not ride on any type of springs.
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The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
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No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used.
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All cars must have the scout's name on the bottom of the car.
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The axles should not be mounted at an angle or deliberately bent in order to tip any of the wheel treads to an angle.
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The front most and rear most wheels must be positioned across the body from one another.
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Lead weight, if used, must be completely sealed and safe from all possible contact with youth.
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Construction of ALL entries MUST have begun AFTER last year's races - or - cars must be built new for this season and cannot have been raced in previous years.
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Details such as the steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, and interior detail are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.
The Race
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Races will be completed in a double elimination bracket by Girl Scout Level - Daisys, Brownies, Juniors, Cadets, Seniors
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Each level will have a Gold, Silver and Bronze winner
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Gold winners of each level will compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze overall
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The evening will end with a Dad Derby and Bragging Rights race of Dad vs Girl Scout Gold Overall winner.
Race Rules
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If a car jumps off the track or jumps to a different lane, the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will automatically lose the heat.
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If a car suffers a mechanical problem and a repair can be accomplished within 5 minutes, the heat will be run again. If not, the car will automatically lose the heat.
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If, during a race, no car reaches the finish line on the track, the car which went the farthest in its lane shall be declared as the heat winner.
The Inspection
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All cars must be turned in by March 22nd
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March 19th Dropoff window is recommended in order to allow time to return your car if it needs any updates
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Cars will be inspected to insure that they are all following race rules and we can insure a fair race
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You will be contacted directly ONLY if your car needs additional attention - if you pass inspection we will not reach out to you
FAQ's
How much does it cost? What is included in the cost?
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The registry cost is $15 per scout which includes a car kit, an event patch, goodie bag and a fun evening of racing.
Can a scout race more than one car?
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No - Each girl will only be able to race a single car
Who is eligible to participate?
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Registration is opened to all actively registered girl scouts from all troops and service units (and their dads).
How is racing structured? How are times calculated?
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The derby track is a 4 lane track and each car will participate in a double elimination bracket for their Girl Scout level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadet and Seniors)
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There is a slow motion camera that will capture any close calls and we will have 2 volunteers at the finish line just to be sure
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Each girl will get a minimum of 2 races
Is there an adult race?
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Yes, we will have the Dad derby - we know that many dads really enjoy designing these cars so we want to give them the opportunity to participate as well (and let their girl go crazy on their own cars :) )
Is there a sibling race?
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No, we do not have a siblings category.
Do I have to be present for my car to race?
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No, you do not have to attend the event for a scout's car to race or win. If you can not attend then submit your completed car at the drop off and we will race your car and notify you when to pick up your car and any awards.
Can my car win an award if it is not eligible to race?
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No, all cars must be eligible to race in order to be considered for an award, see rules for more details.
What do I do if I need a replacement car kit?
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Replacement kits are available for $5, please reach out to Jessie as soon as possible - this will be based on availability
How does car drop off work? Why do I drop off early?
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We will have 2 drop off windows (listed above) - within these windows there is no need to text, call, or setup a scheduled drop-off. Just come on by and drop of your car. This allows enough time for judges to inspect the car for weight, height, and other regulatory requirements. This also allows enough time to reach out to you to make updates to your car prior to the race if that is necessary.
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Your girl will retrieve her car on race night if no issues are found
What if I arrive late to the event?
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If you dropped off your car at the drop off then you run the risk of missing your girls race - her car will be included but it may be run by another girl.
Is there food at the event?
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We will have goodie bags with snacks and water for all registered participants but no additional concessions will be offered
Can I race an old car?
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No, all cars must have been built this year from the kit provided.
Is my scouts name used at the event?
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Yes - we will announce their name and troop number as they race