Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets: Design and Build the Ultimate Car (Paperback)

by DK Publishing (Author) "The moment the first group of miniature cars started down the 32-foot race ramp with the battery-run finish line made from doorbells, the Pinewood Derby..." (more)
Key Phrases: polish the axles, wheel alignment, tungsten putty, Pinewood Derby, Cutting Guides, Side View (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For new competitors or seasoned racers, this informative, step-by-step guide reveals all the secrets to building a championship car. This officially licensed product of Boy Scouts of America, and written by a research scientist and father of two undefeated Derby Champs, this valuable and education manual features full-color, easy-to-follow instructions and is perfect for parents and kids alike. "I've seen a lot of first-time participants since founding the Pinewood Derby in 1953. If you want to compete successfully your first time out, or improve on last year's finish, this book is for you." -Don Murphy, founder of the Pinewood Derby and author of Pinewood, The Story of the Pinewood Derby

About the Author
David Meade has been involved in the Pinewood Derby for over 20 years, and David's own sons have earned 13 first-place finishes over the past seven years. In addition, he runs Derby Champ, an online Pinewood Derby supply company. When not designing the ultimate Pinewood Derby car, he works as a research scientist.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: DK publishing (November 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756627338
• ISBN-13: 978-0756627331
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #268,333 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple direct instructions..., November 21, 2006

By	in1ear - See all my reviews

written from experience and illustrated with fantastic photography that actually prove the adage "a picture's worth a thousand words". Dave Meade has been involved in scouting and PWD for a lot of years. Quite a few people can say that, but usually not with as many winning Derby entries and PWD trophies as the Meade family gathered!
Besides sharing his technique and expertise in easy to understand and logical procession, he shares safety tips and begins the book with a nice, informative 50 year history of the Pinewood Derby. This is the only Pinewood Derby instruction book authorized and licensed by the Boy Scouts of America.
There are many important aspects covered in detail to build a competitive car for everyone from beginner to advanced. The book even covers recent advances in the use of specialized PWD tools by Pro Worx. As well as templates, materials and tool lists and more.
David is also owner of an online retail store (derbychamp), selling Derby tools, wheels, axles, weighting materials, decals lubricants and other items, anything you might need on Derby Day.
I'm a PineHead fanatic and I recommend this book.
I strongly suggest you take a look too no matter what your level or degree of interest might be in PWD. Buy it for your Scout!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of them all!, February 4, 2008

By	Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Pinewood Derby has been an American tradition for Cub Scouts since it was originated in 1953, a fun event for Scouts and their fathers. There are many books out there that tell you how to make Pinewood Derby cars, giving you helpful hints and serious suggestions on how to increase the speed of your car. Well, of all of the books that I have seen, I must say that I do think that this is the best of them all!

This excellent book covers all of the suggestions that I have seen in all of those other books, ALL of them. But, what really sets this book apart is that it is filled with many colorful pictures that show you exactly how to do each step in making the best Pinewood Derby car that you can. Yeah, this is a great book.

So, if you have an up-coming Pinewood Derby coming up, do yourself a favor, and buy this book. I give it my absolutely highest recommendations!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, January 30, 2007

By	Merchanimal "David in Iowa" (Bertram, IA United States) - See all my reviews

This one should help you and your scout bring home the trophy. Full of great tips to help maximize the speed on the derby racer. Well illustrated and easy to follow tips will help your scout do most of the work (I know it's hard to resist Dads... make your own alongside your scout).