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Precision Cut Pinewood Car Derby Blocks
Click here for our Blocks for Awana® Races
The car blocks on this page can be ordered with standard axle slots or axle holes. We also offer standard wheel spacing and extended wheel spacing.
Which block should I use?
Many race rules require that the standard axle slots be used. Our blocks with axle slots are legal in all races and they offer significant advantages over the block that came in your kit:
- Precision cut slots - your car will run straighter, greatly reducing the need to make adjustments to the axles.
- Available as an extended wheelbase (when rules permit).
It is a lot easier to insert the axle properly in a hole than in a groove. If the axle is inserted at an angle then the car won't run straight down the track causing your car to slow down. Our block with axle holes offer the following benefits:
- Precision drilled holes so your car will run straight and fast every time.
- No need to spend hours aligning your wheels. Just insert the axles in our block and you are ready to go.
- Level axles allow the wheel to "float" between the block and the axle head for the fastest possible speed.
- Block is easy to cut and shape. Our blocks are made from a soft pine. It is very easy to work with compared to other pines.
- Axles won't drift out of alignment like they can in grooved blocks.
- No shims or other adjustments needed.
- Raised wheel (optional) for a 25% friction reduction.
We offer blocks with four different configurations:
- Standard axle spacing
- Standard spacing with one raised wheel
- Extended spacing
- Extended spacing with one raised wheel
Raised Wheel Advantage
The advantage of one raised wheel is that
there is less friction with only three wheels touching the ground.
The raised wheel is on the front left side of the car and is raised
1/16" - just enough to lift it off of the track. The car is still
very stable with this configuration but you can increase the stability
by placing the weights as far to the rear of the car as possible
and slightly to the right of center.
Extended Wheel Spacing Advantage
The axles on our extended blocks are placed as close to the edge
of the block as possible without exceeding the seven inch maximum
car length rule. An extended wheelbase makes the car more
stable and allows placement of the weights farther toward the rear
of the car giving the car more speed.
Cutting and shaping a pinewood derby block can be a challenge.
Here is how to Use a Coping Saw and how to Use a Rasp.
Customer Photos
This is the second year in a row we have done great. My 12 yr old daughter won 4th in the adult devision and my son got 2nd in his pack. The pre cut and drilled blocks made my job so easy . thanks again and you can expect more purchases from my family in the future.... John S.
Joe's extended wheelbase Racer pinewood car smoked all others in pre-race practice and its time of 2.918 was second-fastest among all pinewood cars in all age groups(about 40 cars). The fastest was 2.915.
This could be you!
Jonah used our Extended Wheelbase Block with raised wheel, our lathed and matched wheels and Pro-axle press tool to make a winning car.
Here is what his dad said:
" It was a great day at the derby. Jonah's car won 1 st place in his Den, first place in the Pack and I couldn't believe it but he also won for Best looking car! It sure beats finishing 7 th like we did last year. "
We purchased the wedge design from you guys and my son won 1st place last night!! He placed 1st in 12 out of 12 heats!! Griffin loves Godzilla, and that was our inspiration for "Zilla Racer". We just joined the cub scouts this year and this was his first time he ran in the pinewood derby. I'm afraid we set the bar really high, but thank you for your help. Your website was extremely helpful & educational. Thanks again...Timothy F
Joe's extended wheelbase Racer pinewood car smoked all others in pre-race practice and its time of 2.918 was second-fastest among all pinewood cars in all age groups(about 40 cars). The fastest was 2.915.
