All entrants must be 21+ to enter a car in the UNION Pinewood Derby. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. The car shall not ride on springs. Only official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted, no razor-style wheels. Only dry lubricant is permitted. Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices, Motors, engines, or other propulsion may not be used. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete. If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment. Some tools will be on hand to make adjustments, if you need a specific tool for your car please make sure you bring it with you. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race. You will not be able to choose which lane you race in- there are some bumps, gaps and ridges in the track, this is the luck of the draw.

Maximum width – 2-3/4″
Maximum Length – 7”
Maximum weight – Not over 5 Ounces
Minimum width between wheels – 1-3/4″
Minimum bottom clearance (so it does not rub on the track guides) – 3/8″
Car must have 4 wheels
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Chris Attenborough from Studio 410 at the Union Collective invites you to join him for Pinewood Derby Building Workshops:
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– Thursday, 2/1: Cut Your Car
Join us from 4-7PM at Studio 410 to work with Chris Attenborough, our very own Master Pinewood Derby Builder. Come learn and use the bandsaw, scroll saw, and sander to shape your car.
1. Need a kit? Purchase one from UNION for $7.50 + Tax.
2. Take the short walk down to Suite 410.
3. Get to work!
Please Note:
1. Closed toe shoes are required. Safety Goggles will be provided.
2. Pints are for after using power tools! Hopwater Springs (our N/A Sparkling Hopwater) will be provided in the studio.
3. Studio 410 is shared with two other talented makers – Mark Melonas and Andy Karnes, please be respectful of the space.

– Thursday, 2/8: Paint and Decorate
WOW! You made it through week one of the Pinewood Derby Workshop, congratulations!
Join us in UNION Hall from 4-9PM to begin decorating your car. (Don’t forget you aren’t only competing for the speediest car. Style counts too.)
We’ll bring the paint, scissors, and other fun decorations, you bring the car. (NO GLITTER SORRY!)

– Thursday, 2/15: Paint and Final Touches!
WOW! Your racecar is almost ready for the track! EXCITING.
Join us in UNION Hall from 4-9PM to finish decorating (or start, we don’t judge) your car. (Don’t forget you aren’t only competing for the speediest car. Style counts too.)
We’ll bring the paint, scissors, and other fun decorations, you bring the car.
(NO GLITTER SORRY!)

Check the grooves to ensure that each is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the car body. A car with untrue axles tends to steer to one side or the other, causing it to rub up against the side of the lane strip, slowing it down. You can check the groove angles by using a square, a protractor, or even a piece of paper. Lay square on the block to check for squareness and alignment of the slot. Use two hacksaw blades side by side to redress the slots. Use the edge of the square as a guide.
Choose your favorite design, then mark the block accordingly. Lay car body on the side, then gently drive the axles into the grooves within 1/4″ of the axle head. Axles should fit tight. With a pair of pliers, remove axles by pulling and turning gradually. Repeat on the other side of the block. Most of the cutting can be done with a hand saw, then finished with sandpaper. Details such as fins and scoops should be added now. Any additional weight needed to achieve a total of 5 ounces should be built into the car. NOTE: If the car design you chose has a narrow body, make sure the area where the axles are inserted into the body remains 1-3/4″ wide, or wheels will not fit over the guide strips of the track.

Apply several coats of sanding sealer; then sand the entire car with fine-grade sandpaper. Give model at least two coats of fast-drying paint, in your choice of color. When the paint is completely dry sand with fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint, and allow to dry thoroughly. To finish, rub the entire car with a rubbing compound. Details such as windshield, driver, racing numbers, etc., should be added now. For a super finish apply a coat of auto wax and rub to a high gloss. Pre-lubricate axles and wheels using, dry powdered lubricant. Do not use regular oil or silicone spray, since it may soften the plastic. Slide wheels over axles, then gently tap them into the car body grooves with a 1/4″ dowel or similar object to within 1/32″ of car body. Make sure wheels turn freely.

SPEED:
First Place:
Name on UNION Pinewood Trophy
1 Special Release can/bottle every month for 1 Year (2/24-2/25)*
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$100 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Second Place:
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$60 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Third Place:
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$20 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back


STYLE:
First Place:
Name on UNION Pinewood Trophy
1 Special Release can/bottle every month for 1 Year (2/24-2/25)*
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$100 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Second Place:
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$60 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Third Place:
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$20 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back


If you have won a race category please bring your car to the judges for a race photo and prize. If you do not meet with the judges at the end of the race for proper documentation, you will forfeit your prize, and standing as a winner of the race.
*All beer release prizes must be claimed within 30 days of the beer release date.

UNION is not responsible for any loss or damage which might be sustained by any vehicle on these premises. Vehicles parked and raced here are done so at the owner’s risk.