A large-scale, in-person Derby is still not a viable option given venue restrictions.  So the 2021 Powhatan Race, Concours, and Bake-off will be conducted virtually again this year.  Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos, Arrow of Light Scouts are welcome to participate!

Virtual Pinewood Derby Specifics:

Race and concours participants will need to register on the Powhatan site.

Registered participants can bring their cars or cakes to our check-in station (Epiphany Episcopal, 3301 Hidden Meadow Drive, Herndon, VA) on Thursday 5/13 from 6-8:30pm, or Sunday 5/16 from 1-4pm, or Thursday 5/20 from 6-8:30pm.  If neither check-in time can be made, arrangements can be made with me (takacs.scouts@gmail.com) to check in the car at another time.  

Check-in Expectations

• Race cars will be checked and impounded
• Concours cars will be checked, have pictures taken of them and returned to the scout/parent
• Patches will be handed out when the cars are returned
• Participants should arrive with the top part of the 2021 District Derby Registration Form (attached) filled out.
• The check-in will occur rain or shine (barring unsafe lightning conditions)
• AoLs that have crossed over to Boy Scouts ARE WELCOME

Bake-off participants are invited to make their cakes, take pictures of it and send them in for decorations to be judged.

• Please fill out and send the attached registration form with pictures of the cake, or bring the cake and pictures will be taken
• Regarding the edibility of the entire cake, the Scout Law will apply
• If you wish to bring it to a check-in you may do so, but we will not impound it

The race/judging will occur on May 23rd and winners will be announced after the race video has been made available, with arrangement to pick up cars and trophies made at that time.

• The race will be recorded and the video released online, no scout names will be shared
• Concours car pictures will be shared online and showcased

COVID Considerations during Check-in:

• The check-in staff will be manned only by myself and family members
• The check-in staff will wear masks and gloves
• Scouts and parents must wear masks and observe social distancing while waiting to be checked in.
• If too many people arrive at once, we will ask participants to wait in their vehicles
• If you are ill/experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID, please do not come to the check-in and make other arrangements to check-in your car.

Temporary Rule Changes Due to COVID

District packs have reached out regularly to discuss some of their challenges in building cars, and scheduling and conducting their derbies.  As a result, the following adaptations will be implemented:

•   Pre-cut cars may be used in both the race and concours competitions.
•   If a Pack does not conduct a Derby or Bake-off as part of their Derby, a scout may coordinate with their Pack to represent their rank and Pack and register for the 2021 Powhatan District Pinewood Derby.

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

CJ Takacs
Powhatan District Pinewood Derby Committee Chair
703-608-2195 cell
pinewood-derby@powhatan-scouting.org

We're going to do our best to give the scouts a fair and enjoyable experience, albeit short and sweet.  See you at the races!