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