Museum to Host Trio of Pinewood Derby Events

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is hosting a Pinewood Derby Clinic Saturday, Jan. 31 to guide area scouts of all levels in preparing their vehicles for the 2004 race season. Museum and clinic admission is free that day.

The two-hour program, running 10 a.m. - noon and 1 - 3 p.m., will feature centers hosted by Chrysler professionals in vehicle design, manufacturing and finishing who will share tips on derby car:

• design;
• weight selection and speed; and
• shaping, sanding, painting and detailing.

The clinic will also feature derby demonstrations on a timed test track.

All scouts must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the Pinewood Derby Clinic. To register your scout, den or pack, contact Museum Education Coordinator Sebrina Borth at 754-0449 (t/l), 248-944-0449 (outside line) or sb211@dcx.com. Deadline for registration is January 8, 2004 .

Also mark Saturday, March 6 on your calendar for the museum's fourth consecutive Ojibwa District Pinewood Derby. Watch scouts put their handmade vehicles through the paces on electronically timed tracks positioned throughout the building.

And the following weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum will host a Pinewood Derby Concours. The first, second and third place finishers in all age groups from the 2004 Ojibwa District race will be displayed among the museum's 65+ vehicles, interactive displays and historical exhibits. The concours will also feature five vehicles judged on Derby Day as the best in design, workmanship and paint finish. A wild card vehicle will also be selected for the exhibition. The Pinewood Derby Concours will be displayed 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Looking for tips on designing and building you own Pinewood Derby Car? Check out the attached Pinewood Derby Tips packet.

Pinewood Derby Tips (92 KB)

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