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Bring the family and celebrate Memorial Day at the Manhattan Beach Community Pinewood Derby. It’s the 65th anniversary of the original Pinewood Derby, which was founded right here in Manhattan Beach! All ages can participate in a fun day of racing, food and music and support the new Senior and Scout Community Center.

Monday, May 28, 2018
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Joslyn Center and the Scout House
1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA

Want to learn more?

• Rules
• History of the Pinewood Derby
• FAQ

Schedule of Events: (subject to change)

Race Registration and Race Kit Purchase

All race participants must register either online or in person prior to the race. All fees are nonrefundable.

Fees

Ways to Register and Purchase Kits

• Online
  The online registration service requires a nonrefundable convenience fee of 5.35% of the total charges.
  

  I want to race my own car! $20		I want the Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit! $30
  Pinewood Derby (4-11 years)	30739	Pinewood Derby with Racer (4-11 years)	30741
  Pinewood Derby (12+ years)	30740	Pinewood Derby with Racer (12+ years)	30742

• In Person
  Download and complete a Pinewood Derby Registration Form (PDF) and take it to the
  Parks and Recreation Department located in Manhattan Beach City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue
  Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  Alternate Open Fridays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed alternating Fridays)

Kit Pick Up
If you purchase an Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit online, bring your receipt to one of these locations to pick up your kit:

• Live Oak Tennis office located in Live Oak Park, 1901 Valley Drive
  Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  Weekends 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Attendants are in the office at the top of the hour - :45 to :15
  Registrations will NOT be accepted at this location. This location is only for pre-purchased kit pick up.
  
  
• Parks and Recreation Department located in Manhattan Beach City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue
  Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  Alternate Open Fridays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed alternating Fridays)

Rules

All participants must design and race their Pinewood Derby cars according to these few important rules to ensure that the event is fun and fair for everyone. The most important rule is HAVE FUN!

• Participants must not interfere with the competition in any way.
• New Pinewood Derby cars must be constructed per the instructions in the box.
• No sharp objects or anything that could damage the track(s).
• The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
• The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
• The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
• The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 5 inches.
• The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
• The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
• The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired.
• 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.
• The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or lubricated.
• Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
• All cars must have the participants name on the bottom of the car.

The original Pinewood Derby plaque still on the Manhattan Beach Scout House.

History of the Pinewood Derby

Don Murphy, founder of the Pinewood Derby, invented the Pinewood Derby for his Cub Scout Pack in 1953 at our very own Manhattan Beach Scout House.

Don was the Cubmaster of Pack 280c. He dreamt up the The Pinewood Derby because he wanted Cub Scouts to have an event similar to the Soapbox Derby but safe enough for younger boys.

Murphy’s Derby had everything parents want for their children: a wholesome activity that fosters a closer parent-son relationship, and a common interest to promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition.

The Pinewood Derby is now enjoyed by millions of children around the world!

For more history about the Pinewood Derby, you can order Pinewood! The Story of the Pinewood Derby. This large format book includes many pictures of the very first Pinewood Derby race!

FAQ

What is a Pinewood Derby competition?
The Pinewood Derby was created in 1953 and originated with the Cub Scouts in Manhattan Beach. The Scouts competed against each other on a track with wooden cars made to strict specs. Parents and Scouts created and shaped the cars, which came as a simple block of wood with wheels and weights. Although still an extremely popular nationwide Cub Scout activity, the Pinewood Derby has grown beyond the Scouting community and expanded to include all age groups and a variety of different car types. The Manhattan Beach Community Pinewood Derby Day will feature a day of racing with multiple tracks for various age groups, food and music for a fun Memorial Day celebration.

Where is the Manhattan Beach Community Pinewood Derby Day taking place?
Tracks will be set up in the Ocean Banquet Room at Joslyn Community Center at 1601 North Valley Drive. The Sunset Room at Josyln Center will be set up as the Auto Repair shop. In addition, we will have some vintage materials on display and a historic track set up in the Scout House in between the Joslyn Community Center and the baseball field.

What if I don’t have the materials or time to make a car?
You may purchase an official Pinewood Derby Car Kit from us, from your local craft store or online. These cars can be assembled and raced right out of the box. However, part of the fun is creating your own custom car. Our kit includes a pre-shaped wooden car that can be sanded, painted and/or decorated any way you’d like to customize it. We encourage you to build your car ahead of time, but cars and supplies will be available to purchase on race day. (Note: There are a variety of body styles, but we cannot guarantee to have your preference in stock at time of pick-up. This will be handled on a first come, first served basis.)

How do I register and get my car?
Register online or in person at Manhattan Beach City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department. If you purchase an Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit online, bring your receipt to either Live Oak Park Tennis Office or the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department to pick up your kit. Registration will be available the day of the event if space permits.

I have my old Pinewood Derby car from when I was a Scout. Can I race it?
Yes! We are encouraging anyone who already has made a Pinewood Derby car to bring it and compete. But you still need to register! Simply register for an Entry Fee only.

What if I am Pre-K through 5th grade but can’t race in the morning?
The afternoon session is an Open category, and any age can race.

What if I don't want to race a Pinewood Derby car?
Please attend as a spectator. There will be food for purchase, music and historical displays to enjoy. Everyone is welcome.

What kind of food will be available?
Traditional Memorial Day barbecue foods (hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetarian option) will be available as well as a variety of desserts. Local Scout troops will be preparing and selling lunch and delicious baked goods.

Will there be accessible areas?
Yes, the Joslyn Community Center is completely ADA-compliant. The Scout House has no steps.

Where do I park?
There is free street parking all along Valley Drive. However, parking may be limited so we suggest carpooling or ridesharing.

Donate

Busy on Memorial Day but want to support this important initiative? Please consider making a Donation!