History of the Pinewood Derby

The first Pinewood Derby ever held took place in 1953. Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California gathered at the Manhattan Beach Clubhouse and made Cub Scout history.

Cubmaster Don Murphy had been looking for an activity that his 10 year old son, Donn, could participate in after being too young for a soap box derby. Remembering the cars and airplanes he used to carve as a child he decided his Cub Scouts could work with their fathers and carve their own race cars. He felt this activity would foster a closer father-son relationship and good sportsmanship through competition.

Murphy approached his Cub Scout committee who eagerly took on the project. A car and track design were quickly worked out. The racing kit consisted of a block of pine wood, two wood axles, four nails, and four wheels. The track was 32 feet long with a declining four foot down ramp for the gravity propelled cars. The electric finish line was built with door bell coils powered by batteries to signify the winner.

The first race day was set for Friday May 15, 1953. Contestants raced in three classes: Class A: 10 years old, Class B: 9 years old, and Class C: 8 years old. The race was a hit from the second the first group of cars started down the track. News of the Pinewood Derby quickly spread. A city wide Pinewood Derby was sponsored by the Herald Express newspaper and the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks department in 1954. When word reached the national office of the Boy Scouts of America they decided to promote the race nationwide. A race car kit was even included in the Boy Scouts of America's supply catalog.

Today most of the rules and regulations of the Pinewood Derby remain the same. Cub Scouts and their parents look forward to the race each year. Don Murphy, the father of the Pinewood Derby, still takes great pride in the event he started over 50 years ago. A regulation Pinewood Derby track can be found in the National Scouting Museum where visitors can race their own cars or a car provided by the museum.