Remember the thrill of a Pinewood Derby race? The scent of sawdust, the focused concentration, the blur of color as tiny cars zoom down the track. It’s a classic childhood memory for many. But as a parent or den leader, choosing the *right* track can feel like a whole different race! You want the best for your young racers, but sifting through all the different types, sizes, and features can be overwhelming. Will it fit in your space? Will it be durable enough for excited kids? These questions can leave you feeling stuck.
This post is here to help you win that race! We’ll break down the key things to consider when picking a Track Pinewood Derby. You’ll learn what makes a track great for both fun and future competitions. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a track that will create lasting memories and fuel a passion for speed and engineering in your young builders.
So, let’s get started and discover the perfect track for your next Pinewood Derby adventure!
Our Top 5 Track Pinewood Derby Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Pinewood Pro Brick Derby™ Car Chassis | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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PRO Axle Inserter Guide: Easy | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool for use in Derby Cars | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Maximum Velocity Derby Car Kits | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Track Pinewood Derby Detailed Reviews
1. Pinewood Pro Brick Derby™ Car Chassis
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your inner engineer and racer with the Pinewood Pro Brick Derby™ Car Chassis! This amazing chassis lets you build and race your very own custom car using your favorite construction bricks, like LEGO®. It comes fully assembled and ready to zoom down the track, bringing together the fun of building with the thrill of speed. Get ready to create a winning car that’s uniquely yours!
What We Like:
- It’s already put together! The chassis comes pre-assembled with fast Ultra Lite Wheels and smooth Nickel-Plated Axles. You can start building and racing right away.
- It’s built for speed! Pinewood Pro uses their 25 years of experience to design a chassis that helps your car go as fast as possible.
- The wheels are perfectly spaced. This means your car will roll straight and true, giving you a big speed advantage on the track.
- It works with your bricks! This chassis is compatible with most major construction brick brands, so you can build and rebuild your dream car again and again.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for speed, the speed potential is still limited by the builder’s brick design on top.
- The bright, primary color of the chassis might not be everyone’s first choice for a custom look.
This Pinewood Pro Brick Derby™ Car Chassis is a fantastic way to combine creativity and competition. It’s a solid foundation for building a fast and fun derby car.
2. PRO Axle Inserter Guide: Easy
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of wobbly axles that slow down your Pinewood Derby car? The PRO Axle Inserter Guide is here to help! This tool makes getting your axles perfectly straight super easy. It helps your car roll faster and smoother on the track. You can use it with any Pinewood Derby car kit and all the standard parts. This means your car will be built right, every time.
What We Like:
- Effortless Alignment: It makes putting in axles simple and accurate. Your car will perform better because the axles are straight.
- Versatile Compatibility: It works with all Pinewood Derby car blocks, axles, and wheels. You don’t need to worry if it will fit your kit.
- Durable Construction: Made from strong materials, this tool will last for many Pinewood Derby races. It’s built to be used again and again.
- All-in-One Tool: It’s one solid piece with a built-in spacer. You don’t need to find other tools to set it up.
- Improved Performance: Perfectly straight axles mean less friction. This helps your car go faster, giving you an advantage on race day.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes, the instructions could be a little clearer for younger builders.
- While durable, a soft grip might make it even more comfortable to hold for extended use.
If you want your Pinewood Derby car to reach its full speed potential, the PRO Axle Inserter Guide is a fantastic investment. Get ready to see your car fly down the track!
3. Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool for use in Derby Cars
Rating: 9.3/10
Unlock your Pinewood Derby car’s full potential with the Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool. This handy jig helps you create perfectly straight or angled axle holes, and even allows for raised wheel setups, all designed to make your car faster and more stable on the track. It’s a game-changer for serious derby racers.
What We Like:
- The patented design ensures precise axle holes, either straight or at a 2.5-degree angle for a speed advantage.
- The exclusive View Port makes it super easy to see where you’re drilling, whether you’re making new holes or working with existing ones.
- Drilling 2.5-degree angled axles or creating raised wheel holes can significantly reduce friction and boost your car’s speed.
- This tool helps improve your car’s stability by allowing for an extended wheelbase, giving you an edge on race day.
- It’s adaptable to any derby car block with its easy slide adjustment and comes with clear instructions and a 2.2 mm drill bit.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it comes with a drill bit, having a slightly wider selection of bits included might be even more convenient for some users.
- The tool focuses on axle and wheel placement, so additional guides for other performance enhancements aren’t part of its function.
This drill jig is an excellent investment for anyone serious about winning their next Pinewood Derby race. It simplifies complex adjustments, saving you time and helping you build a faster, more competitive car.
4. Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for the ultimate racing adventure with the Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit! This kit provides everything a young builder needs to create their very own champion racer. It’s more than just a toy; it’s a chance to design, build, and race a car that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine the excitement as your child shapes the wood, paints it with vibrant colors, and adds their personal touch. This kit sparks creativity and provides a fun, hands-on experience that’s perfect for Scout race day or just a weekend project.
What We Like:
- The kit includes a solid wood block, official wheels, and lead-free axles, making it easy to start building right away.
- It’s a fantastic way to encourage imagination and let kids design their dream car from scratch.
- The possibilities for decorating are endless, and you can find even more accessories to customize your creation.
- This activity is fun and simple for everyone, from kids to families and groups.
- It’s an educational tool that helps teach important STEM skills, blending fun with learning.
- The kit is designed for ages 6 and up, making it a perfect gift of educational fun.
- It comes with official race-legal wheels, so your car is ready for official Scouting Pinewood Derby events.
- This product is proudly Made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While official wheels are included, the special colored wheels are sold separately, which might be a small additional cost for those wanting specific designs.
This Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit offers a fantastic blend of creativity, education, and thrilling competition. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time and build lasting memories.
5. Maximum Velocity Derby Car Kits
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for some serious racing with the Maximum Velocity Derby Car Kits Bulk Pack! This set gives you 12 complete kits, each with a high-quality pine block, wheels, and axles. It’s everything you need to build super-fast derby cars.
What We Like:
- The wheels and axles are top-notch. They don’t have rough spots or missing hubcaps, so your car will roll smoothly right away.
- The pine blocks are perfectly cut. They match the official size of BSA pinewood derby blocks.
- These kits are made in the USA. You can trust the quality.
- Maximum Velocity has tons of experience helping racers. They know how to make cars go fast.
- You get 12 kits, which is great for groups or multiple races.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be a little more detailed for younger builders.
- While the wheels are great, some may want to experiment with different styles for advanced racing.
This bulk pack is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build fast and reliable derby cars. You’ll have a blast designing and racing your creations!
Choosing the Best Pinewood Derby Track: Your Guide to Victory
A great Pinewood Derby race needs a great track. This guide helps you find the best track for your needs. We look at what makes a track good and answer your questions.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a Pinewood Derby track, certain things make a big difference.
- Length: Most tracks are about 30-40 feet long. Longer tracks let cars build up more speed. This makes races more exciting.
- Number of Lanes: Tracks come with 2, 4, 6, or even 8 lanes. Think about how many cars will race at once. For big events, more lanes are better.
- Starting Gate: A good starting gate holds cars securely. It releases them all at the same time. This keeps races fair. Some gates are electronic and give a clear start signal.
- Finish Line: A clear finish line helps you see who wins. Some tracks have electronic timers that record speeds and finishing order. This adds a professional touch.
- Portability and Storage: If you need to move the track or store it, look for one that folds or breaks down easily. Lightweight materials help with this.
- Durability: A sturdy track will last for many races. It should be made of strong materials that won’t break easily.
Important Materials
The materials used to build a track affect its quality and how it performs.
- Wood: Many tracks use solid wood. This is strong and gives a classic feel. Pine and plywood are common.
- Plastic: Some tracks use strong, molded plastic. This is often lighter and can be very durable. It’s also easy to clean.
- Metal: Metal is often used for the track rails or supports. It makes the track very strong and helps cars roll smoothly. Aluminum is a good choice because it is light and won’t rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a track is built greatly impacts the racing experience.
- Smoothness: The track surface must be very smooth. Any bumps or rough spots slow down the cars. This makes races unfair.
- Straightness: The track needs to be perfectly straight. A bent track will make cars veer off course. This leads to slower times and crashes.
- Lane Width: The lanes must be the right width for standard Pinewood Derby cars. If lanes are too narrow, cars can get stuck. If they are too wide, cars might wobble.
- Elevation Changes: A good track has a gentle slope. This lets gravity do the work of moving the cars. Too steep a slope can cause cars to crash. Too flat a slope makes races slow.
- Construction Quality: Look for tracks where the pieces fit together well. Loose connections can cause problems. Well-made tracks offer a better racing experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses these tracks and how do they use them?
- Families: Many families buy tracks for fun at home. Kids love racing their cars against siblings or friends. It’s a great way to spend time together.
- Scout Troops: Pinewood Derby is a big event for Cub Scouts. Troops often have a dedicated track for their annual races. A good track makes the event special.
- Schools and Clubs: Schools and youth clubs also use these tracks for their own racing events. They are perfect for science fairs or STEM activities.
- Hobbyists: Some people just love building and racing Pinewood Derby cars. They might use a track for testing their designs and improving their cars’ performance.
A good Pinewood Derby track makes every race exciting. By considering these features, materials, and quality factors, you can find the perfect track for your next big race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pinewood Derby Tracks
Q: What is the most important part of a Pinewood Derby track?
A: The most important part is a smooth, straight surface. This lets the cars roll as fast as they can. It ensures fair races for everyone.
Q: How long should a Pinewood Derby track be?
A: Most tracks are between 30 and 40 feet long. This length is good for building speed and making races exciting.
Q: Can I build my own Pinewood Derby track?
A: Yes, you can build your own! Many people build them from wood. You can find plans online. However, buying one often means a better, more consistent track.
Q: What kind of cars can I race on these tracks?
A: These tracks are designed for standard Pinewood Derby cars. These cars follow specific rules for size and weight. Always check the rules for your specific race.
Q: Are there tracks with electronic timers?
A: Yes, many higher-end tracks come with electronic timers. These timers measure the speed of each car and record the finishing order automatically. This makes scoring very accurate.
Q: How do I store a Pinewood Derby track?
A: Many tracks are designed to fold up or break down into smaller pieces. This makes them easy to store in a garage, closet, or under a bed.
Q: What makes a track durable?
A: Durable tracks use strong materials like solid wood or sturdy plastic. They are built with good construction so they don’t break easily. Tracks with metal rails are also often very durable.
Q: Can I race more than one car at a time?
A: Yes, you can! Tracks come with different numbers of lanes. You can race two, four, six, or even eight cars at once, depending on the track you choose.
Q: What is a starting gate for?
A: A starting gate holds all the cars in place at the top of the track. It releases them at the same time. This ensures a fair start for every car.
Q: Where can I buy a Pinewood Derby track?
A: You can buy Pinewood Derby tracks from many places. Online retailers like Amazon are popular. Specialty hobby stores and some sporting goods stores also sell them.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!