Demonstrating the spirit of service, Webelos Scout Cora volunteers as a “finish line catcher,” carefully retrieving cars to protect their intricate designs and graphite-polished axles. (Katrin Galeano)
“3, 2, 1. Go!” The announcer’s voice echoed over the microphone. The audience cheered. Scouts stood on their toes, excited to watch their cars shoot down the racetrack toward the finish line that measured time to the thousandth of a second.
Of the 88 contenders from across the Barbarossa District of Scouting America’s Transatlantic Council, who would take home a trophy? Scouts and parents alike watched eagerly as cars raced six at a time, some shattering long-standing track records.
Six gravity-powered racers plummet down the Pinewood Derby race track. (Katrin Galeano)
The Barbarossa District Pinewood Derby Championship Races on March 12, 2026, welcomed the top three contenders of each rank from Cub Scout Packs across the district.
Scouts from Pack 13 in Wiesbaden, Pack 43 in Frankfurt, Pack 69 in Vogelweh, Pack 96 in Baumholder, Pack 164 in Sembach, Pack 165 in Spangdahlem and Pack 232 from Ramstein traveled to the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center Mall to compete. This was not their first race. Each car had already powered its way to the top of its own pack leaderboard.
Just a few weeks prior, each gravity-powered racer was a block of pinewood. With the imagination of a Cub Scout, hard work and the addition of four wheels, each block became a unique creation ready to speed down the track. The colorful creations featured many popular themes, from unicorns, Star Wars, to SpongeBob, “Cars,” and Minecraft.
They were designed with the official Pine Wood Derby rules in mind. Each car could not weigh more than five ounces. Dimensions, ground clearance and wheelbase were carefully inspected prior to the race. Any car that did not meet the specifications were entered into a special race category called the Outlaw Class.
Rows of meticulously crafted cars, ranging from sleek aerodynamic wedges to creative pop-culture tributes, wait for their turn to face the gravity-fed track at the KMCC Mall. (Katrin Galeano)
After the opening ceremony, the first heat kicked off with the Arrow of Light Scouts, the oldest and most experienced group. The fifth graders watched anxiously as their cars were being carefully set on the track.
In groups of six, the racers plummeted down the track, their speeds captured by a digital timer. Over the next few hours, winners in each age group were celebrated in turn. Dressed in a full race suit, Daniel Park, Cubmaster of the hosting Pack 232, kept the energy high, cheering on the Scouts and rallying the crowd.
At the end of the day, the Grand Champion race proved to be a true nail-biter. The top 18 cars from the district faced off for the top three trophies. With a blistering time of 3.1556 seconds, clocking in at a scale speed of 226.87 MPH, the car of Wolf Cub Scout Benjamin claimed the top spot.
A fraction of a second later, Wolf Scout Robert’s car secured second place with a time of 3.1572 seconds, or 226.75 MPH. Right behind them, Arrow of Life Scout Joseph came in third with his car crossing the finish line after 3.1632 seconds.
Tiger Scout Jack proudly displays his first-place certificate and custom 2026 commemorative license plate after outracing the competition in his category. (Katrin Galeano)
It certainly was a race to remember. Each participant received a commemorative event patch to mark their place in Barbarossa District Pinewood Derby history. The top three finishers of each rank were awarded with custom fun license places and the top three overall contenders received unique trophies specifically crafted for this 2026 championship.
The day was a celebration of sportsmanship and fun. Its success relied not just on gravity and graphite but also on a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. From the high-energy leadership of Cubmaster Daniel Park to the technical expertise and dedication of the Shearman family, the volunteers came together to make the Pinewood Derby magic happen. As the track was packed away and families made their way back to Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and beyond, many scouts were likely already envisioning next year’s design, proving that in the world of scouting, the finish line is just the beginning of the next great adventure.
Wiesbaden Pack 13 Scout Patrick celebrates his first-place finish in the Lion Scout race alongside his older brother, Dennis, and hosting Cubmaster Daniel Park. (Katrin Galeano)
If the excitement of the Pinewood Derby race inspired you, there is a place for your family in this adventure. Scouting America’s Transatlantic Council offers a unique opportunity for youth to build character, lifelong friendships, and practical skills while living abroad. Whether it’s mastering the physics of a Pinewood Derby car, camping under the stars, or leading a service project in the local community, Scouting provides the tools for kids to grow into confident leaders. Don’t let the next great adventure pass you by. Visit TACScouting.org/membership to join a local Pack, Troop, Ship or Crew today, and discover what it means to be part of a global scouting family that turns ordinary weekends into extraordinary memories.
On the Starting Block: The first six cars of the 2026 championship stand poised at the starting line, a colorful array of pine and polish waiting for the pins to drop. (Katrin Galeano)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
