Pinewood Pro's First-Ever Intergalactic Derby

What's at stake and how you can compete!

What happens when the fastest Pinewood Derby racers from across the stars go fender-to-fender for Jupiter-sized bragging rights and, better yet, a trip to Space Camp? It’s the Intergalactic Derby!

Pinewood Pro’s inaugural competition encouraged Scouts to showcase their creativity and performance by submitting a photo of their car and verified race time to the leaderboard. Following a full review of competitors from every corner of the solar system, a winner was crowned and a trip to Space Camp is awarded for the ultimate celebration.

Below, meet Liam, our first-ever winner! Liam, with the help of his dad, Robert, shares everything about his Pinewood Derby racing endeavors, his experience competing in the Intergalactic Derby, and best of all—Liam’s first-hand account as the winner of a trip to Space Camp!

Tell us about the process of building your car. What inspired the design?

I chose the wedge design based on the aerodynamics of the shape. Because it would be faster with less resistance.

How long did it take you to complete your car?

My dad and I worked on it for about 2 weeks overall with cutting, sanding, and getting all the parts ready.

Which parts of building the car were the most fun? The least fun?

The most fun was when I was sanding it on the belt sander and shaping it. The least fun was also using the belt sander when I didn't hold the car tight enough, it shot out of my hand, it broke, and we had to start over.

How did you feel going into race day?

I had a weird feeling in my chest. I was anxious and nervous because I wanted to win and keep my win streak going.

What do you remember about winning your race(s)?

I remember my friends congratulating me for winning, and having my photo taken for winning. 

What compelled you to enter the Intergalactic Derby?

My dad saw the post online and told me about it, so we decided to enter my times to see how I would do. 

How did it feel to win the Intergalactic Derby?

I was really excited that I won and was going to Space Camp. And I thought it was really cool and that I had the fastest car.  

Tell us about your Space Camp experience. What parts were you most excited about? Nervous about?

I was most excited about going to the one and only Space Center and learning and seeing a lot of cool things. I was least excited and nervous about going without my family for a week.

What kind of activities did you get up to at Space Camp?

We worked with an underwater drone and an RC car, and we even flew drones.

Would you want to live on the ISS after this experience?

I don't know if I would want to live there. I think I would miss my family and friends a lot.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Space Camp?

My favorite memory is when I met Robert Gibson. He is an astronaut who technically stopped the Cold War. He connected the Russian and American astronauts.

What advice do you have for first-time racers?

Never doubt your design and pay close attention to the center of gravity for your car when you add your weights.   

Spoken like a true champion! Many thanks to Liam and Robert for entering and for sharing their experiences. Wanna stay in the loop for future opportunities to win big? Subscribe to our newsletter, because while the Intergalactic Derby was just this once, you never know—you could be our next contest's victor!