The Pinewood Derby is open to anyone whether they are involved in Pathfinders and Adventurers or not. Even parents are encouraged to get in on the fun!

Sunday, February 7, 2027

Mountain View Christian School
1010 Clements Road
Missoula, Montana

Registration begins at 9:00 AM, racing at 10:00 AM, and open class races right after lunch. Racing usually wraps up around 2 PM

Save time the day of the race and register early so that all you have to do is weigh in when you get here!

Click below to pre-register for the race.

Registration opens January 1

Race in one of three classes

Adventurer Class – Ages 5-9

Pathfinder Class – Ages 10-16

Open Class – Ages 0-4 and 17+

Need some help making your car fast? Check out this video that gives you some great tips and also explains the science behind them!

Never made a derby car before? This video gives you step-by-step instructions and also provides some great principals for a fast car.

Rules:

  • Weight: The car must not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale is considered final, so make sure to leave a slight margin for error.
  • Length: Overall length must not exceed 7 inches.
  • Width: Overall width (including wheels and axles) must not exceed 2-3/4 (2.75) inches.
  • Bottom Clearance: There must be at least 3/8 inches underneath the car so it doesn’t scrape on the track’s center guide strip.
  • Wheel Clearance: The distance between the inside of the wheels must be at least 1-3/4 inches.
  • Height: The car needs to fit under the finish line at the bottom of the track so the car should be no more than 5 inches in height.
  • Modifications: Wheels and axles may be polished and sanded to reduce friction, but you cannot use wheel bearings, washers, or bushings. The wheel tread must remain flat.
  • Lubrication: Only dry lubricants, such as powdered graphite, are permitted. Liquid lubricants, like oils or silicone sprays, are strictly prohibited. The Pit Crew will graphite cars before the race and again after lunch.
  • Free-Wheeling: The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices, springs, or loose, unglued materials. If the car’s design does not allow the front of the car to line up with the starting pin the car may need to be run backwards.
  • Materials: The main body of the car must be made of wood, the axels metal, and the wheels plastic.
  • Inspection Check: Every car must pass an official inspection before competing. If a car fails, the racer will typically be allowed to make adjustments during weigh-in.
  • Hands-off Policy: Once a car is registered the only time you can touch the car is when you are called to carry it to or from the racetrack to run races.
  • Repairs: The Pit Crew is available to repair cars damaged during a heat. The Pit Crew is not there to help make sure your car is ready to race. You should do that before you come on Sunday morning.