The 4th Annual Pinewood Classic is ready to race its way back into downtown Phoenix on Saturday, April 22. Organized by the folks at Short Leash Hot Dogs, the day of pinewood derby races will include events for both adults and children.
In the early afternoon, children ages 3-12 are able to participate in the junior races from 12 – 3 p.m. The event is complete with a doughnut bar, courtesy of Rollover Doughnuts & Coffee, balloon animals and a Bloody Mary bar for parents participating in the adult races.
“The first year was a daytime event, I think we had 50 racers total,” Brad Moore of Short Leash said. “The event continues to grow each and every year. This year we have 80 racers and we will be doing night races for adults and we have added a daytime race for children.”
Adults wanting to relive their childhood and build a pinewood derby car, without dad’s help like when they were in the Boy Scouts, can participate in the adult classic from 5 – 9 p.m. Only those 18+ will be able to participate in this one!
“Grand Canyon Brewery is our beer sponsor and they created a special cask beer for us, and Porter Barn Wood has been diligently building a new 40-foot track,” Moore said. “I think the real changes [since the first race] are just the ways in which the event continues to grow and evolve. More community support and more like-minded businesses that want to be a part of it.”
Registration is open now for both the child and adult races. Prices for child registration start at $15 for the basic kit and $30 for the super kit which includes the basic kit (Regulation Pinewood Derby Kit, Commemorative Merit Badge, Racer’s License) plus a special edition t-shirt. For the adult races, prices start at $25 for the basic kit and $40 for the super which, like the children’s kit, includes the basic kit and a special edition t-shirt.
A portion of each registration fee for the Pinewood Classic will be donated to Food for the Hungry, an organization that has been fighting extreme poverty in 20 countries worldwide over four decades.
“I think the best think about the races and what everyone gets out it is a sense of nostalgia and good wholesome fun and that one of the best things that comes of the event is that it benefits Food For The Hungry, and that a small community event in Phoenix has an impact in other areas of the world,” Moore said. “In 2015 we donated to Nepal Earthquake Relief and in 2016 we donated to prevent child prostitution in India.”
For more information about the Pinewood Classic, visit their website, or like them on Facebook.
If You Go
What: 4th Annual Pinewood Classic
When: Saturday, April 22; junior races at 12-3 p.m., adult races at 5-9 p.m.
Where: Short Leash Hot Dogs, 110 E. Roosevelt.
More Info: Find registration and general event info here.
Images courtesy of Brad Moore, Shortleash Hotdogs + Rollover Doughnuts, taken by NBMA Photography.
