Bow Market and Somerville Cub Scouts Pack 3 is excited to host the 1st annual Bow Market Pine-Car Derby! On Sunday, April 26th (Rain Date Sunday, May 3rd). Participants and teams in this all-ages event will create a car from a block of wood to race for prizes. Funds raised will support scouting in Somerville.
Test your mettal to see if you have what it takes to take the checkered flag!
An optional info session will be held on Saturday 4/4/2026 1pm - 3pm at Bow Market.
What is a Pine-Car Derby?
What is a Pine-Car Derby? Inspired by Scouting’s Pinewood Derby, our Pine-Car derby lets participants build a model car from scratch with pinewood, wheels, axles and a bit of creativity. The cars roll down a special sloped track and the first one to the finish gate wins. See a video clip of the Pack 3 2025 Pinewood Derby here.
The official kit can be bought at the infosession on 4/4, at the Scout Shop in Woburn, online from the Scout shop, or online at Amazon (they’re more expensive on Amazon).
We are offering two categories: One for classic cars that meet all the standard rules of Pinewood Derby cars and the Somervillain category where almost anything goes.
Please read the linked Rules and Frequently Asked Questions document for specific rules. It’s trickier than you’d think to create a car that meets requirements for this classic race, and it requires a bit of strategy to win. If a car registered for the classic race does not comply with classic race rules at check-in, their registration will be transferred to the Somervillain race so long as they meet the rules of that race. If a car does not comply with the rules of either race, it cannot race but it will still be eligible for the design awards.
Link to additional rules and frequently asked questions.
Questions? Email derbyteam@somervillepack3.org
Participation and Details
Races ($30 to Register)
The Somerville Classic: The big one! A race where cars will be held to the exacting standards borrowed from Scouting America. The winner will be the first to receive the Somerville Classic Trophy!
Participation is limited to 40 cars, you must register before race day
The Somervillian: This race will be for folks to really push the pinewood to its limit!
Participation is limited to 100 cars, you must register before race day
For specific design rules and regulatations, please read our Info sheet and FAQ
Design ($15 to Register, if not racing)
There are many ways to win a best design ribbon:
Coolest looking
Fastest looking
Craftiest
Most Somerville
Most Bow Market
Most futuristic
Wild card
All cars entered to race are automatically entered into the design competition, competitors wishing to only be entered in the design competition can register the day of the event.
Registration
For Races, please register below. fee all proceeds go to support Somerville Cub Scouts Pack 3
For Design, all racers will be automatically registered
Participation is open to all ages
Building Options
For folks looking for access to tools to shape and build their cars, we recommend FabVille located at the Somerville High School.
FabVille Open Shop Schedule:
Tuesday: 5 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday: 4 PM to 9 PM
Thursday: 4 PM to 9 PM
FabVille is closed the week of the Derby, so plan ahead.
About this fundraiser
The Bow Market Pine-Car derby is a fundraiser supporting Somerville Pack 3 Cub Scouting activities and gear as well as registration fees and dues for kids and families who need financial support to participate. Cub Scouts is an inclusive organization for any kid kindergarten through fifth grade. Learn more about our pack and events at https://somervillepack3.org/ or email info@somervillepack3.org for more information. For information about enrolling kids 6th - 12th grade in scouting, please email info@somervilletroop3.org.