BSA News {News for Scouts}

In 1953, Don Murphy organized the first Pinewood Derby for Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, CA. Don got the idea for the derby from the soapbox derby's his company sponsored and his passion for models. Murphy wrote the rules and designed the miniature car that could be carved out of soft pinewood complete with nails and wheels in a brown paper bag. Some fathers of the seven den, 55 cub scout Pack put together the two lane race track and battery-run doorbell finish line with winner lights.

A quick Google search for Pinewood Derby will turn up numerous pages dedicated to getting the most performance out of that little block of wood. Don wrote a book titled "Pinewood! The Story of the Pinewood Derby" about the history of the derby. There was even a movie, Down and Derby, a comedy about overly enthused fathers. Don Murphy makes a special appearance in the film.

I wanted to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition. -- Don Murphy