Choosing the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car is key to winning races. Proper weight helps the car run faster and stay stable on the track.
Pinewood Derby cars have a maximum weight limit, usually 5 ounces. Adding weight close to this limit helps the car gain speed. Using items like Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Weights or Pinewood Pro Zinc Brick Weights can improve performance.
Tools like the T-Tool Tungsten Weight Placement Drilling Tool help place weight in the best spot. Kits such as the Maximum Velocity Pinewood Car include pre-weighted parts for better balance. Correct weight placement lowers the car’s center of gravity, making it run smoothly. Choosing the right weight and tools improves your chances of winning your next Pinewood Derby race.
Table of Contents
Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Weights

The Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Weights, 2-Ounce, Tapered is ideal for hobbyists and Pinewood Derby racers looking to enhance their car’s performance. If you are a parent helping your child build a competitive Pinewood Derby car or an enthusiast aiming for precise weight distribution, this product offers the perfect solution to optimize speed and balance.
Pros:
- Made by the reputable Woodland Scenics brand, ensuring quality and reliability.
- Tapered design allows for easy fitting and balanced weight distribution on your derby car.
- Compact dimensions (6.0 Inches height, 3.0 Inches width, 0.2 Inches length) make it versatile for various car designs.
- Lightweight at 0.14 pounds, ideal for fine-tuning the car’s total weight up to the 5-ounce limit.
Cons:
- Limited to a fixed 2-ounce weight, which may require combining with other weights for optimal tuning.
- Tapered shape might not fit all derby car designs without modification.
The Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Weights offer a well-engineered solution for adding precise weight to your Pinewood Derby car. The tapered shape allows for a snug fit in narrow spaces, helping maintain aerodynamic design while maximizing speed potential. Its manageable size and weight provide flexibility in achieving the perfect balance and center of gravity, which are crucial for fast, stable runs on the track.
Crafted with attention to detail by Woodland Scenics, this weight is durable and designed to withstand the rigors of racing. Users benefit from its ease of installation and ability to complement other weights or modifications, giving racers a competitive edge. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced Pinewood Derby participant, these weights enhance your car’s performance with minimal hassle.
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Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Adjustable Stick On Weights

The Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Adjustable Stick On Weights 2-Ounce is ideal for hobbyists and enthusiasts involved in pine car derby racing who want to enhance their car’s performance. If you’re looking to fine-tune the weight distribution of your derby car for better speed and balance, this product is tailored for you. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced racers aiming to improve their competitive edge.
Pros:
- Adjustable 2-ounce weights allow precise tuning for optimal car speed.
- Stick-on design ensures easy application without tools.
- Compact and lightweight with dimensions suitable for most derby cars.
- Produced by trusted Woodland Scenics brand known for quality craft products.
- Multicolored weights add a visual appeal to the car’s design.
Cons:
- May require careful placement to avoid imbalance if not adjusted properly.
- Limited to 2-ounce weight, which might not suit all racing specifications.
- Sticky adhesive might lose effectiveness over multiple uses.
The Woodland Scenics Pine Car Derby Adjustable Stick On Weights feature a slim, lightweight design measuring 6 inches in height, 3 inches in width, and a mere 0.15 inches in length, making them easy to place and adjust on any pine car derby vehicle. The multicolored appearance not only provides functional weight but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your derby car. Being manufactured by Woodland Scenics guarantees durability and consistent performance.
These adjustable weights provide users with the ability to customize the weight distribution, which is crucial for improving speed and stability during races. The stick-on format eliminates the need for complex installation tools, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Overall, this product offers a convenient and effective way to optimize your pine car derby racer for peak performance.
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Pinewood Pro Zinc Brick Weight Set

Ideal for Pinewood Derby and Brick Derby race car enthusiasts, the Pinewood Pro Zinc Brick Weight Set is perfect for those looking to enhance their car’s performance by adding precise weight. If you want to gain an edge in your next race with a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-install solution, this set of two Lego®-compatible zinc bricks is designed specifically for you.
Pros:
- Each brick adds a precise 0.44oz weight, totaling 0.88oz for optimal car balance.
- Compact dimensions (0.62″ x 0.37″ x 0.62″) fit neatly into tight spaces on race cars.
- Lego®-compatible design allows for versatile placement and secure attachment.
- Made from durable zinc material ensuring long-lasting use and consistent weight.
- Manufactured by Pinewood Pro, a trusted brand in derby car accessories.
Cons:
- The total weight added might be insufficient for those needing heavier customization.
- Only comes as a set of two bricks, which may limit flexibility for some users.
The Pinewood Pro Zinc Brick Weight Set offers an excellent balance of size and weight, making it an ideal choice for racers aiming to fine-tune their cars without adding bulk. Thanks to its Lego®-compatible design, the bricks can be easily attached or repositioned, allowing racers to experiment with weight distribution for maximum speed and stability. The precise weight of each brick ensures consistent performance across different race conditions.
Crafted from high-quality zinc, these bricks provide durability and reliable weight, which is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage during races. Their compact size allows them to fit into confined spaces on the car, giving users more flexibility in customizing their vehicle. Overall, this weight set combines precision, convenience, and trusted manufacturing to help you push your Pinewood Derby or Brick Derby car to the next level.
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T-tool Tungsten Weight Placement Drilling Tool

The T-Tool Tungsten Weight Placement Drilling Tool for Pinewood Cars is ideal for Pinewood Derby enthusiasts who want to optimize their car’s performance. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enhance your car’s speed or an experienced racer aiming for precision weight placement, this tool is designed to help you achieve the perfect balance for your Pinewood car.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling and portability
- Precision drilling capability ensures accurate tungsten weight placement
- Durable construction by trusted brand Red Dirt Derby
- Enhances car speed by allowing better weight distribution
- Easy to use for both novices and experts
Cons:
- Limited to Pinewood car applications only
- May require additional tools for complete car modifications
The T-Tool Tungsten Weight Placement Drilling Tool by Red Dirt Derby is crafted with precision, measuring just 1.0 inch in height, 3.0 inches in width, and 4.0 inches in length, making it a compact addition to your Pinewood car toolkit. This tool allows users to drill exact holes for tungsten weights, which are crucial for optimizing the car’s balance and speed. The lightweight design, weighing only 0.02 pounds, ensures that it won’t add unnecessary bulk or strain during use.
By using this tool, racers can strategically place tungsten weights to improve the car’s momentum and stability on the track. The precise drilling capability helps avoid damage to the car body, maintaining its structural integrity while allowing for maximum performance enhancement. Overall, this tool is an essential accessory for anyone serious about achieving competitive Pinewood Derby results.
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Pinewood Pro Pine Derby Car Kit

The Pinewood Pro Pine Derby Car Kit is ideal for hobbyists and competitive racers who want a high-quality, ready-to-race car. Whether you are a beginner eager to learn the basics of Pinewood Derby racing or an experienced participant seeking a performance-optimized kit, this set offers everything needed to get started with speed and style.
Pros:
- Includes 10 pre-painted and weighted pieces for quick assembly
- Features the PRO Wheel Spacer ensuring smoother and faster wheel rotation
- Built with an optimal center of gravity for enhanced stability and speed on the track
- Official parts prepped for speed, reducing the need for additional modifications
- Compact and lightweight design (0.31 pounds), maximizing acceleration
Cons:
- Limited to the Red Shark color option, restricting personalization
- May require some skill to fully optimize performance despite being prepped
- Dimensions might not suit all track specifications or personal preferences
The Pinewood Pro Pine Derby Car Kit stands out with its precision engineering and quality materials. Its painted and weighted components save users time on preparation, allowing them to focus on fine-tuning and racing. The inclusion of the PRO Wheel Spacer is a significant feature that minimizes friction, resulting in smoother wheel rotations and faster runs.
Additionally, the car’s optimal center of gravity ensures it remains balanced, reducing the risk of derailment and improving control during high-speed races. The compact dimensions and lightweight structure contribute to better acceleration, making it a competitive choice for racers who demand both performance and reliability from their Pinewood Derby cars.
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Maximum Velocity Pinewood Car

The Maximum Velocity Pinewood Car is ideal for enthusiasts and participants of pinewood derby races who want a competitive edge with a humorous twist. Whether you’re a scout looking to impress at the next race, a hobbyist aiming for maximum speed, or a parent seeking a fun and engaging project with your child, this car offers a perfect blend of performance and style.
Pros:
- Includes a shaped body designed for optimal aerodynamics
- Equipped with flex weight to enhance speed and balance
- Comes with stock official scout wheels and axles ensuring compliance with race rules
- Lightweight and compact with dimensions of 1.5 inches height, 1.75 inches width, and 7.0 inches length
- Manufactured by the trusted brand Maximum Velocity!
Cons:
- May require some assembly and fine-tuning for optimal performance
- Weight of 0.5 pounds might need adjustment depending on race regulations
The Maximum Velocity Pinewood Car stands out with its specially shaped body that reduces air resistance, allowing it to glide swiftly down the track. Its included flex weight system offers users the flexibility to adjust the car’s balance, which is crucial for maintaining speed and stability during races. The incorporation of stock official scout wheels and axles guarantees that it meets official competition standards, making it a reliable choice for serious competitors.
Designed with precision and performance in mind, this pinewood car combines lightweight construction with durable materials to ensure longevity and consistent race-day performance. Its dimensions are optimized to fit within standard pinewood derby specifications, making it easy to handle and customize further. Overall, the Maximum Velocity Pinewood Car provides an excellent foundation for anyone looking to compete effectively while enjoying the creative process of building a unique derby car.
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Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit

The Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit is ideal for young scouts and hobbyists who are eager to participate in the classic Pinewood Derby race. Perfect for children involved in the Boy Scouts of America or anyone interested in crafting and racing their own wooden car, this kit provides all the essentials needed to start building a competitive and personalized derby car.
Pros:
- Comes from the trusted Boy Scouts of America brand and manufacturer
- Includes all basic materials to build a standard derby car
- Lightweight design at 0.02 pounds for faster racing potential
- Compact dimensions ensure easy handling and customization
- Beige color allows for creative painting and decorating
Cons:
- Very small dimensions (0.01 inches) may require precise assembly
- Limited to basic components, additional accessories may be needed for advanced customization
The Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit features a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy for kids to handle and customize their cars. The kit’s beige color provides a blank canvas that encourages creativity, allowing users to paint and decorate their cars to reflect their personal style. Being an officially licensed product from the Boy Scouts of America ensures authenticity and adherence to competition standards.
With its balanced dimensions and weight, the kit offers a great starting point for building a fast and competitive car. While the small size requires careful assembly, it also helps the car achieve optimal speed during races. Overall, this kit is a perfect blend of simplicity and functionality, making it a valuable choice for any Pinewood Derby enthusiast looking to enjoy the fun and excitement of the race.
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Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Car

The Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Car is ideal for young Scouts, hobbyists, and competitive Pinewood Derby racers looking to enhance their racing experience. If you want a high-quality kit that provides an edge with its aerodynamic design and official components, this product is perfect for you.
Pros:
- Includes a sleek shaped body designed for maximum speed.
- Comes with a flex weight to optimize balance and improve performance.
- Equipped with stock official Scout wheels & axles ensuring compliance with race regulations.
- Compact dimensions (3.0 inches height, 1.75 inches width, 7.0 inches length) for a streamlined build.
- Bright red color enhances visibility and style on the track.
Cons:
- May require additional fine-tuning for beginners to maximize speed.
- Limited customization options if you prefer a completely unique design.
The Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Car kit is meticulously crafted to provide users with a competitive edge through its aerodynamic sports car derby design. The inclusion of a flex weight allows racers to adjust the car’s balance for improved stability and faster runs, making it an excellent choice for those serious about performance. Additionally, the use of official Scout wheels and axles guarantees that the car meets strict race standards, so users can focus on refining their racing techniques without worrying about disqualifications.
Beyond its functional benefits, the compact and lightweight dimensions of this kit make it easy to handle and customize. The vibrant red color not only appeals visually but also helps the car stand out on race day. Whether you’re a Scout aiming for a podium finish or a hobbyist eager to experiment with derby car dynamics, the Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Car offers a balanced blend of quality, performance, and compliance to elevate your Pinewood Derby experience.
To buy this product, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Ideal Weight For A Pinewood Derby Car?
The ideal weight is 5 ounces, the maximum allowed. Adding weights near the rear improves speed and stability. Using tungsten or zinc weights ensures compact, dense placement without exceeding limits.
How Do Adjustable Stick-on Weights Improve Car Performance?
Adjustable stick-on weights allow precise tuning of the car’s weight distribution. They help optimize the center of gravity for better speed. These weights are easy to apply and reposition, making them perfect for fine adjustments during race prep.
Why Use Tungsten Weights For Pinewood Derby Cars?
Tungsten weights are denser than lead or zinc, allowing for smaller weight size. This lets you place more weight low and towards the rear. It improves the car’s balance and maximizes potential speed while staying within weight limits.
How Does The T-tool Help With Weight Placement?
The T-Tool assists in drilling precise holes for weight insertion. Proper placement is critical for optimal center of gravity and speed. The tool ensures accuracy, preventing damage to the car’s body and enhancing overall performance.
What Makes The Pinewood Pro Weighted Kits Effective?
These kits come pre-painted and pre-weighted for convenience and optimal speed. They include professional-grade wheels and spacers to reduce friction. The kits also feature an ideal center of gravity setup, saving time and improving race results.
Can Lego-compatible Zinc Bricks Be Used For Pinewood Derby Cars?
Yes, Lego-compatible zinc bricks add precise weight increments (. 44oz each). Their compact size helps place weight exactly where needed. This aids in fine-tuning balance and achieving the maximum 5-ounce weight limit efficiently.
Conclusion
Choosing the right weight is key to building a fast Pinewood Derby car. Most experts agree that 5 ounces is the maximum allowed weight. Adding weights like Woodland Scenics tapered or adjustable stick-on weights helps reach this limit without making the car unstable.
Using zinc bricks or tungsten tools can fine-tune the balance and improve speed. Kits like Pinewood Pro and Maximum Velocity offer parts prepped for the best weight placement and center of gravity. Remember, placing weight near the rear usually gives better momentum.
A well-balanced car with the right weight often wins the race. Experiment with different weights and positions to find what works best for your design. Keep the car under 5 ounces and focus on smooth wheels and good alignment. This simple approach can make your Pinewood Derby car faster and more competitive.
Good luck with your build and race day!




