Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

On your mark, get set…for the second greatest spectacle in racing! The Indiana State Museum is bringing back the official RACE DAY on Saturday, April 5th, 2025.

• This day will also include our annual Best in Show contest.
• 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.
• Enter a derby car by 2 p.m. for the ‘Best in Show’ competition in which cars will be awarded based on visual design. Visit indianamuseum.org to view the Saturday competition rules and ‘Best in Show’ categories.

*Race Day is only for registered racers and closed to the public.*

*In addition to racing, visitors can expect hands-on activities throughout the museum.

Pinewood Derby: Best in Show Contest Categories and Rules Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

“Best in Show” is an annual contest that visitors can enter their Pinewood Derby cars to compete in different categories. There are both adult and youth divisions, and the categories are updated from year to year. Participation in the Best in Show contest is included in museum admission, there is no extra charge.

Visitors wishing to participate in the Best in Show contest must enter their cars for judging by 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5. 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 overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
• The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2¾ inches.
• Four wheels must be on the car.
• Car must be made of wood.

Categories:

Youth Categories:

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

Adult Categories

5. 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.
6. Cars of Tomorrow: Be inspired by our exhibit Dream Tomorrow Today and create a futuristic auto.
7. 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. Includes $4 parking validation.

Purchase Admission

*Access Pass members need to purchase tickets in person OR call 317.232.1637 to receive discounted prices.