Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

Join us on Race Day – April 5 at 11 a.m. – the same day as the annual ‘Best in Show’ competition.

• Participation in Race Day is only for registered racers and closed to the public.
• The public is invited to watch the race and explore the museum and take part in hands-on activities throughout the museum. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• All participating cars for the official Race Day must be registered by 10:30 a.m. (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.) as race starts at 11 a.m.

Pinewood Derby: Best in Show Contest Categories & Rules

• ‘Best in Show’ is an annual contest where visitors can enter their Pinewood Derby cars to compete in different categories, in youth and adult divisions.
• Participation in the ‘Best in Show’ contest is included in museum admission, there is no extra charge.
• Enter a derby car by 2 p.m. for the ‘Best in Show’ competition where cars will be awarded based on visual design.
• Cars will be displayed and judging will take place between 2-4:30 p.m. that afternoon, and awards will be presented between 4:30-5 p.m.
• The ‘Best in Show’ contest focuses on style over function, but entries must still meet the following guidelines:
  • Participants must register in the appropriate age bracket in order to compete: youth (ages 5-16) and adult (ages 17+).
  • The car must be made of wood.
  • Pinewood Derby Car Dimensions
    • The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
    • The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches
  • Derby Car Weight
    • The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces
    • The official scale shall be considered final.
  • Wood Wheels and Axles
    • Absolutely NO graphite or other lubricant can be added to the cars inside the museum.
    • Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled rounded or machined. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
    • No wheel covers are allowed.
    • Four wheels must be on the car.
  • Modifications
    • Full name must be permanently displayed on the bottom of the car.
    • The car must have 1 3/4 inch clearance between the wheels.
    • The car should have 3/8 inch clearance underneath the body so that it does not rub the track.
    • Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
    • The car must not ride on springs of any type.
    • No starting devices.
    • The car must be freewheeling.
    • No loose materials of any kind are permitted.
    • If a car is visibly damaged and a repair is needed, the car owner may repair it with a race official present and then re-pass inspection. Repair is limited to the damaged section of the car.
  • Other Race Rules
    • Everyone is welcome to race.
    • Only one car per museum admission on Race Day.
    • All cars will be given a brief technical inspection. The cars qualifying for the final races will be given a thorough inspection.
    • Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only officials can touch it.
    • Any car weighing less than five ounces and not passing inspection may run for fun but will not be considered for prizes.

Race Format

• There will be one race for each of the following divisions:
  • K – 5th grade
  • 6th – 12th grade
  • Adults
• Each car will run on each of the track lanes.
• All trophies must be picked up in person.

Youth Race Car Categories (ages 5-16)

• Indiana: These cars must be representative of something about the state of Indiana, its commerce or its culture.
• Cars of Tomorrow: Be inspired by our exhibit Dream Tomorrow Today and create a futuristic auto.
• STEM: These cars must be representative of science, technology, engineering or math.
• Most Creative: Uniquely designed cars that do not fit into one of the previously stated categories.

Adult Race Car Categories (ages 17+)

• Indiana State Museum: These cars must be representative of the Indiana State Museum or its state historic sites, its collections, areas of research or expertise, mission or values.
• Cars of Tomorrow: Be inspired by our exhibit Dream Tomorrow Today and create a futuristic auto.
• Most Creative: Uniquely designed cars that do not fit into the previously stated category.

Price

• Included with museum admission; $5/Access Pass members, $5/Indiana college students w/ID, 50% off admission for Scouting America, Girl Scouts and their families.
• Discounted tickets must be purchased in person. Access Pass members need to purchase tickets in person OR call 317.232.1637 to receive discounted prices.
• Includes $4 parking validation.

Purchase Admission