This event was open to all Chartered Cub Scout Pack Units in the Natchez Trace District of the Middle Tennessee Council. A participating Scout must have been a registered member of a Pack Unit on the day of the race (April 24, 2010). Webelos that have bridged to a Troop are no longer eligible.

The 2009 District race is now history. It is always a joy to see the youngsters holding their cars in the registration line. Just before the start of the race, 139 pinewood derby cars were registered. Daniel from Pack 9 was the event’s opening ceremony leader as Pack 302 assisted.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Steve Hawkins. Thanks to Gary Weaver (Pack 223) and Rick Lanahan (Pack 188 alumni).  Also thanks to Maribeth Hughes and Gail Pluncker and Troop 135 Franklin for sponsoring this web space.

Pinewood Derby Industry Emerges

The Pinewood Derby car has evolved into an industry in recent years.  Many different organizations utilize pinewood derby races to achieve similar goals. As a result, construction rules and guidelines vary widely amoung organizations.  In the following pages, you will notice that heavy emphasis is placed on using the BSA Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit.  The Natchez Trace District "construction rules" aim to place every cub & partner team on the same "playing field" while still allowing for car design creativity.

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 scout's interest. Proud ownership comes from effort, not someone else doing it for him. There are several tasks that the young and older scout can perform.  Yes, some parents struggle more than others in motivating their cub scout. Do Your Best!

Scouts that participated in a Pack Unit Pinewood Derby race this year spend quality time 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!

To register your Pack, complete the information below and mail soon after you Pack Unit’s race. The fee is $25 per Pack which allows up to 4 speedster participants and 3 best design entries. Two alternates per group, speedsters and design. are included in the fee to replace any of the original participants that may not be able to attend due to last minute conflicts. Substitutes cannot race another boy’s car. Best Design entries will not participate in the race. All Scouts are asked to wear a uniform and know their Pack Unit Number at check-in. Each should know the Scout Promise to be called during the opening flag ceremony.

1. All scouts that participate in the District Derby must be present and in uniform to register their pinewood derby car.
2. A scout must be present to race his car on the track
3. A scout must be present to recieve an award.

4. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification

It is important to observe the Official Pinewood Derby Rules. Derby cars that do not pass inspection could be disqualified. Please distribute a copy of the 2009 Official Pinewood Derby Construction Rules to every scout parent. If you do not have a copy of these rules, please download a copy from this site or contact Maribeth Hughes at the Scout District Office (383-9724).  Construction Rules are typically available at Thanksgiving (November) before the Natchez Trace season begins.