5 Basic Pinewood Derby Car Shapes

New to the Pinewood Derby? Don't worry—we've got you! If you're new to Scouting or looking for new car designs, read on to learn more about basic Pinewood Derby car shapes, which you can help your Cub Scout sketch and build before all the racing fun begins!

Pinewood Derby season is upon us! When I started actually thinking about it, one of the first questions in my mind was, “How do people choose a car shape?” I did a lot of research and realized (after I had decided to make up my shape, which turned out to be the Fish-shape) that there are so many free templates (and paid templates) online! But with so many car designs, how does one decide what car shape to use? To make your Pinewood Derby car-building experience much easier, we've put together a short list of essential car shapes you can customize using decals and paint to make your own!

1. The Wedge
2. The Arrow
3. The Fish
4. The Classic 
5. The Semi

The wedge is a classic and probably the easiest shape (besides keeping a block) to build your Pinewood Derby car. The Wedge is the foundation of many cool car designs, and it is designed to be aerodynamic and is a one-cut wonder.

The Arrow takes the Wedge to the next level. With a definite pointier front, the slim and cut-in sides lead to a flared back end. With so much of the wood cut out, the weight department leaves plenty of space to add weight back in exactly where it counts. Wondering where that is? Check out our Tips and Tricks blog!

This template has become quite popular – it employs the lower profile front and adds a bit more curving, making it look a little fish-like. Many people also add in a top fin to turn it into a shark! This shape also works as a base for Nascar-looking racecars. 

Think classic cop car shape. It is a bit boxier, but this car never goes out of style. After all, who doesn’t love the Dukes of Hazzard look? Plus, this one is fun to paint. If you want to keep the shape but change the look, why not paint it with the old-school Dale Earnhardt Wrangler colors and #3? 

Whether you need a Pinewood Derby car Racing kit or are looking for paint, peel-n-stick decals, or glow-in-the-dark wheels, ScoutShop.org is your one-stop shop for all things Pinewood Derby!