2026 AWPMPWD

Another Woodshop Podcast Maker Pinewood Derby

Overview
The AWP Maker Pinewood Derby Race at the Texas Woodworking Festival is a gravity-powered racing competition celebrating woodworking, creativity, competition and having too much scrap wood. All participants must check in before 10am on Saturday September 26th.

Eligibility

  • Open to all Texas Woodworking Festival ticket holders – Additional $5 pinewood derby entry is required.
  • All ages compete together.
  • Must make racecar yourself. Purchasing a completed car is prohibited.

Categories & Awards

Speed

  • Fastest times overall
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place

Creativity

  • Craftsmanship
  • Originality
  • Design

SPEED Car Requirements and Rules

Materials

  • Cars must be primarily made of PINE wood
  • Decorative materials allowed if safe and secure
  • Official Kits can be purchased HERE

 

Dimensions

  • Max Length: 7 inches
  • Max Width: 2.75 inches (Including Wheels)
  • Max Height: 3 inches
  • Minimum Bottom Clearance: 3/8 inch
  • Max Weight: 5.0 ounces

 

Performance Rules

  • Gravity-powered only
  • No motors, springs, or propulsion devices
  • Only dry graphite lubricant allowed
  • Cars must not damage the track or interfere with others
  • Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
  • The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
  • No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.

All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race. Judges ruling is final.

 

Race Format

  • Multiple heats throughout the day. Total number will be determined by number of entries.
  • Each car will run 4 times. Lanes are rotated for fairness.
  • Fastest recorded time determines winners.
  • Top 4 times will run at the end of the day in final race off

 

Conduct

  • All ages compete together so let’s keep it light and fun.
  • Good sportsmanship required
  • Only officials may handle cars during races
  • All decisions by race officials are final

CREATIVITY Car Requirements and Rules

Materials

  • Cars must be primarily made of wood. All species of wood welcome
  • Decorative materials allowed if safe and secure
  • Official Kits can be purchased HERE
  • Get creative!

 

Dimensions

  • Max Length: 7 inches
  • Max Width: 2.75 inches (Including Wheels)
  • Max Height: 5 inches
  • Minimum Bottom Clearance: 1 inch
  • Max Weight: 16 ounces

 

Performance Rules

  • Gravity-powered only
  • No motors, springs, or propulsion devices
  • All lubricants are permitted
  • Cars must not damage the track or interfere with others
  • Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are permitted.
  • The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

 

Race Format

  • This race will be single elimination tournament style.
  • Lane assignment will be randomly selected for each car
  • Fastest time of each heat will move on

 

Conduct

  • All ages compete together so let’s keep it light and fun.
  • Good sportsmanship required
  • Only officials may handle cars during races
  • All decisions by race officials are final