Pinewood Derby

Community Event Celebrates Youth, Scouting Values, and Local Partnerships

San Benito District, Scouting America is proud to present the Second Annual Corporate Pinewood Derby on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister.

“Pinewood Derby racing has always been a fun highlight of the year for Cub Scouts.”  Each Cub Scout builds their Derby car from a simple kit of a block of wood, four plastic wheels and four nails to use as axles.  The Scouts assemble, carve, sand, paint and decorate their own cars.  The rules are stringent, not allowing anything to propel the Pinewood Derby Car other than gravity.  The cars race down the track side by side.

Beyond the fun of the competition, the Pinewood Derby promotes life skills and values of Scouting. It teaches sportsmanship, respect for rules, and a sense of accomplishment. It promotes family bonding by encouraging a close working relationship between the young Scout and their adult partner. The Scouts are introduced to basic concepts of mechanics, physics, and engineering. It allows the participants to express their creativity and take pride in their finished product.

“Last year, we shared the fun of Pinewood Derby racing with local businesses with the first annual Corporate Pinewood Derby, where businesses could prepare and race with their own Derby Cars,” said Kristy Burchard, District Chair and Event Coordinator. Building and racing your own Derby car was a blast. Last year we had excellent local support, including Shelton Insurance, Brent Redmond Trucking, Greenwood Ford, Damm Good Water, Granite Rock, Ponzini Drywall, NAPA Auto Parts, Top Flavor Farms, True Leaf Farms, Willis Construction, Strada Verde, Dunnville Market & Kitchen, Pinnacle Organics, and McKinnon Lumber and more made it all possible.”  This year, we look forward to participation by more businesses in San Benito and to seeing who will get bragging rights to be San Benito Business Pinewood Derby Champion.

🚗 New for 2025: Cub Scout District Championship

“This year’s event will add a new and exciting event,” said Will White, Event Director. “We’re bringing together the top 3 finishers from Derbies held by each local Cub Scout Pack earlier this year to race for the title of San Benito District Champion. These are kids who built and raced their own cars — and now get a chance to compete at the district level. It’s going to be fun and inspiring to watch.”  In addition, there will be two Open race categories, one for Scouts and the other for the San Benito youth and adults.

🎯 More Than Just Racing – It’s About Supporting Local Youth

While the races are at the heart of the fun, the real goal is community impact.

“What you’re sponsoring isn’t just a race,” added Kristy Burchard. “You’re supporting the values of Scouting — encouraging young people to get outside, try new things, meet new friends, and be active in their community. It’s about showing that you, as a local business or community member, believe in investing in youth and the future of San Benito County.”

Passersby are welcome to stop in, cheer on the racers, and learn more about Scouting. Loaner cars will be available for new participants, and Scout volunteers will be on hand to talk about getting involved.

📣 CALL FOR SPONSORS

If your business or organization would like to sponsor this year’s Pinewood Derby and show support for youth in San Benito County, please contact:

• Will White – (831) 524-2678
• Kristy Burchard – (831) 801-1203
• Mary Damm – marydamm@hotmail.com

🎉 Event Highlights:

• Pinewood Derby Racing (Youth & Adult Races)
• Cub Scout District Championship Trophy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd among Pack winners

This is a free event, open to the public. Come celebrate, compete, connect — and cheer on the next generation of leaders!