Pinewood Derby Tips

There are currently quality issues with the current run of Pinewood Derby wheels from the new kits.

What’s Wrong with the Latest Production

The defects in the 2025 wheels are significant and not fixable by any normal tuning or machining process:

• Bores too small – Some wheels can’t even accept the included axles.
• Heavy flashing – Excess plastic along the edges adds drag and imbalance.
• Mold-release residue – A visible film baked into the surface, affecting polish and performance.
• Out-of-center bores – Major runout issues that cause wobble at speed.

These problems aren’t cosmetic. They affect both performance and fairness—and no amount of machining or alignment work can correct these defects.

What can you do?

1. Buy some more kits to find older better quality wheels.
2. Use the wheels off an older car.
3. Make your voice be known by writing to: National Service Center PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079

I’ll be speaking at the La Grange Scout Store (27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525) on the following dates:

• • Saturday, December 13 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, January 10 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, January 24 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, February 7 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, February 21 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, March 7 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Stop in to get your car cut out, hear my tips on building a fast derby car, and pick up any supplies you need right from the Scout Store. I’d love for you to swing by and say hello!

 

All are invited to attend a day of thrilling creativity and speed as we gear up for the 2024 Pinewood Derby at Woodfield Mall. No need to be a Pack-level winner — everyone is invited to compete in either race, design, or both. Build Your Own Lego Car: Channel your inner artist and engineer as you create your own miniature racer. The Lego racetrack is free and open to the public. Real Live Full-size Race Car: Experience the thrill of racing with an up-close look at a full-size race car. Tips and Tricks Table: Learn from the experts and gather insider knowledge on building a top-performing pinewood derby car. Open Division Race: A race for all ages including adults, where anyone can compete with their custom-built cars. Pull out those legacy racecars from years ago and try your luck!

Sunday April 27, 2025
Woodfield Mall – Grand Court
Schaumburg, IL

For more information go to: Pinewood Derby Details

I will be speaking at the new La Grange Scout store located at 27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 on Saturday, February 15th, from 9:30AM to 1:30 PM. You can have your car cut out, listen to me speak on what makes a fast car, and buy any derby supplies at the Scout store. Come by and say hello.

I will be speaking at the new La Grange Scout store located at 27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 on Saturday, February 8th, from 9:30AM to 1:30 PM. You can have your car cut out, listen to me speak on what makes a fast car, and buy any derby supplies at the Scout store. Come by and say hello.

I will be speaking at the new La Grange Scout store located at 27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 on Saturday, January 25th, from 9:30AM to 1:30 PM. You can have your car cut out, listen to me speak on what makes a fast car, and buy any derby supplies at the Scout store. Come by and say hello.

I will be speaking at the new La Grange Scout store located at 27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 on Saturday, January 18th, from 9:30AM to 1:30 PM. You can have your car cut out, listen to me speak on what makes a fast car, and buy any derby supplies at the Scout store. Come by and say hello.

I will be speaking at the new La Grange Scout store located at 27 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:30AM to 1:30 PM. You can have your car cut out, listen to me speak on what makes a fast car, and buy any derby supplies at the Scout store. Come by and say hello.

We’ve all been there. We have the best of intentions to build our car well in advance but….time gets away from us. This is a great video showing our panic as race day approaches. Buff’s All Night Spray Booth

On April 7, 2024, an area wide race was held at Woodfield shopping mall. It was a fun event with all levels of scouts participating for a trophy. WGN-TV was there to cover the event. Here is the video: WGN-TV Video