Pintwood Pro® Derby

How Two Roads Brewing Company Makes the Spirit of Pinewood Derby Accessible to All

Chances are, if you’re here, you know a thing or two about Pinewood Derby racing. Two Roads Brewing Company of Stratford, Connecticut, wanted to shift the spirit of this occasion up a few gears by partnering with Pinewood Pro for a now-annual Pintwood Pro® Derby event. Yes, you read that correctly—it’s beers and racing, but also much, much more.

Below, Two Roads Events Manager Ronnie and Senior Campus Events Manager Amanda share their experiences with hosting Pintwood Pro® Derby races in partnership with Pinewood Pro, the importance of family inclusivity, and their best advice as six-year veterans in the derby game.

So, what is a Pintwood Pro® Derby? How is it different from a standard Pinewood Derby?

Amanda: Pintwood Derby offers a unique atmosphere for a traditional race. It used to be an exclusive 21+ event where adults can enjoy a childhood pastime but, with our campus changing the policy to become family friendly, we found this was a great event to market as family-inclusive.

Ronnie: Our Pintwood Pro® Derby is very similar to a standard derby, just sponsored by beer. It’s also rooted in nostalgia and the idea that adults should be allowed to lean into their childhood and relive the glory days!

What's your previous experience with / exposure to Pinewood Derby racing?

Ronnie: I had always wanted to build a Pinewood Derby car, but I was never a Boy Scout. I honestly thought I never would unless I had a child of my own that was involved with a troop. Once we decided to host a race, I knew it would be such a fun experience. I have made a car every year, usually without much luck. I had always wanted to build a Pinewood Derby car, but I was never a Boy Scout. I honestly thought I never would unless I had a child of my own that was involved with a troop. Once we decided to host a race, I knew it would be such a fun experience. I have made a car every year, usually without much luck.

Amanda: I never experienced a Pinewood Derby race until I started working for Two Roads.

From your perspective, what is Pintwood Pro® Derby racing all about?

Amanda: Families coming together to compete in a friendly race while the adults enjoy a pint or two.

Ronnie: It's about the pride in building a car, and then accepting the fate that day. I see guests do so well and gloat, but then some do so poorly and then lean into the fact that maybe they made the slowest.

Walk us through the process of deciding how a Pintwood Pro® Derby was the right fit for Two Roads.

Ronnie: When we were launching our Cruise Control Lager, we knew we wanted to create a launch event that was unlike anything else we've done or seen locally. After a bit of thought, we decided hosting a derby was such a unique, and road-less-traveled spin on an event. Oh, and we LOVE friendly competition.

Amanda: I inherited the event from someone formerly in my position, and we've seen an increase in attendees year after year, so it just makes sense to continue forward with it.

This is your sixth Pintwood Pro® Derby—that’s a lot of history! What have been some of the best parts of hosting the event? What are some of the challenges?

Amanda: We have no control over race day. We have worked with a handful of companies to iron out details in the event execution and finally found a team that works really well in our atmosphere. The best part about this event is, we are the only ones who currently host it and it's a way to offer something really unique to our customers.

Ronnie: For me, the best part is always doing a roll call of how many guests have entered for each year we've hosted. This past year, myself included, we've had 4 entries that have been in all four years, and close to about 20 that have done the past few.

You’ve also incorporated Brick Derby™ into your Pintwood Derby events. What are your favorite things about that specific race?

Ronnie: To be honest, my favorite part about this derby is that they all explode at the end of the track due to being so fragile. It's always fun calling the kids up to repair their cars in the garage before they can race again.

How has Two Roads’ relationship with Pinewood Pro impacted the success of these Pintwood Derby events?

Amanda: Our relationship makes securing car kits very easy and offers a smooth process for racers who want to participate. We have expanded on our relationship this year to help spread the word of our event and I am already seeing an impact based on the event clicks and tickets sold via our affiliated link.

Ronnie: The partnership has been essential. On our side of things, we know how to plan events people want to come to, and then wow them with hospitality and a seamless experience. What we couldn't do without Pinewood Pro is provide top notch kits, race rules and information, and just have a great partner that our guests trust as much as they do us!

What's your best beer pairing for race day?

Amanda: Road 2 Ruin, our flagship Double IPA!

Ronnie: Start with a Road 2 Ruin Double IPA and then switch over to Cruise Control Lager.

What advice would you give to other breweries looking to host a Pintwood Pro® Derby race?

Amanda: I would suggest attending our event first to see how it is executed. There are a lot of moving parts, and a lot of advance communication needed between the race organization and the attendees.

Ronnie: I would tell them to not be hesitant to lean into the history of these derbies. Our first few years were 21+, and even though these were pretty successful, the events seem to have more life and energy to them since becoming family friendly.

Do you have any speed secrets you're willing to share?

Amanda: I personally do not but I have seen interesting tactics from racers in the past!

Ronnie: I've never cracked the top 25% of racers so it's probably best I keep my secrets to myself.

Many thanks to Amanda and Ronnie for their time, expertise, and continued partnership!

Interested in hosting your own Pintwood Pro® Derby? Contact us here or at proteam@pinewoodpro.com.