Getting Started on Your Pinewood Derby Car?
If you are just getting started on your derby project, then may we suggest the following guide.  Each step has specific pages on this website to help you through that part of the process.  Click on the links, review and then come back for the remainder of the process.

 

•  Learning About the Pinewood Derby Race
  About The Race
  Rookies Corner
  Rules
   

•  Determine Your Race Objective and Time Commitment
  (See Below)
   
•  Learn About the Tools You Will Need to Build Your Pinewood Derby Car
  Equipment Check
  Specialty Tools
   
•  Decide Which Pinewood Derby Speed Tips Manual You will Need
  Dominant by Design
  Dominant by Design The Basics
   
•  Get Your Supplies, Save $$$ and Time!
  Speed Packs
  Accessories

Time Commitment and Objective
This project takes time and commitment.  The amount of time spent on the project depends on what you wish to accomplish and how much time you have.  Of course there are budget concerns as well.  If you wish to build a derby dominator and have your best chance at winning, then you will need at least 15 or more hours building time available over a span of several weeks.  Competitive cars can be built with less time but is that your objective?  So decide first how much time you have, how competitive you wish to be, and the budget and time commitment you are willing to make.  There are no promises of an winning outcome regardless of how much time or money you spend but certainly, your odds increase as you and your scout commit more time and effort to the project. 

The following table offers basic suggestions for the time commitment and items you will need for each level of success desired:
 

In your building process, the above are minimum needs.  You will also need a good saw, regular drill, dremel tool, and potentially other specialty tools.  For example, the Pro-Body Tool is considered a necessity if you are allowed to implement extended wheel bases.  A drill press comes in quite handy as well.  Of course, you will need paint, decals, dremel bits, towels, stop watch, work table, model brushes, tape and other items you only think of as you continue thru the project.  Yes, you can run up quite a bill along the way.  So be smart and start early so you can implement as many of the tips as possible.