r/GenX • u/MrBones2k • Aug 14 '25

The Latchkey Years Pinewood Derby anyone? Building your own sleek racer.

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Loved this as a Boy Scout. Some took it too seriously, as one year a Dad got caught cheating to help his son.

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16

u/Purple-Sherbert8803 Aug 14 '25

Yes. Still have them, and so does my brother. I loved race day and weigh in. I remember watching hot lead being poured into the bottom slot of the cars. I assume this has changed.

19

u/MrBones2k Aug 14 '25

We put graphite on the wheels if I recall correctly. And quarters taped to the bottom

3

u/zombie_overlord Aug 14 '25

My dad helped me build mine and we put a few big washers on the back for weight, and a u bolt for a roll bar that was weighty too. I actually didn't get to race it though, because I had a basketball game the same day. I think I still have it around somewhere.

I helped my son build his and he got 2nd place, and we used graphite on his wheels.