Come celebrate an evening of fun while supporting the mission and operation of Protohaven! The Protohaven Pine Car Derby follows in the footsteps of the nostalgic Cub Scout event, while challenging participants of all ages to bring their creativity to the track. Join as a spectator, or build your own pine car! We’ll have 3 classes for competition: Regulation, Lightweight, and Heavyweight— with a Junior Racer heat just for the kids.
Head to the Protohaven shop for races, a design competition, drinks & treats, music, make & take activities, and lots of fun! All ages welcome!
Need help building your car? You will have the option to join a working session in Protohaven’s workshop on Saturday October 10th 11 am – 3 pm, and build your own pine car! Our volunteer makers will be there to help with the tools.
Our Organization
Protohaven is Pittsburgh’s largest non-profit makerspace, serving more than 200 artists, entrepreneurs, small-business owners, hobbyists, students and the community at large. Our mission is to serve as a place where all can be inspired to learn and create. Located in Pittsburgh’s East End, our 12,500-square-foot facility houses more than 90 pieces of equipment applicable to a variety of industrial arts disciplines. The facility exists for the benefit of the community; it is meant to help people from all walks of life create amazing projects, whether they be innovative prototypes, inspiring works of art, a creative consumer product or that “thing” they have always wanted to build.
Regulation Class: Rules closely following the Scouting America Pinewood Derby rules, with changes to aid in access to building materials. A regulated-but-friendly competition experience. Heavyweight Class: Showing off the design capabilities of our metalsmiths, machinists, and hardwood enthusiasts, cars up to 12 oz can compete. Lightweight Class: 3D printed, lasercut, paper, fabric, and other accessible materials are welcome in showing off the creativity that comes from our front studio area. This class has the additional unique award of the Turtle Trophy, awarded to the slowest car to still cross the finish line.
Design Competition: Cars will be showcased on tables to show off design and creativity. Attendees will vote on their favorite car design, and we will present a Design Award during the closing ceremony.
Regulation Class Rules: Weight and Dimension Rules 1. The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final. 2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. 3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. 4. The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 7 inches. 5. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels. 6. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
Construction Rules To aid in accessibility, Protohaven has kits available for purchase. Kits will include pine blocks, and axle nails. 1. Pine blocks starting at 7 inches long, 1.75 inches wide, and 1.25 inches tall must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired. 2. Wheels must either be provided from Protohaven or an official kit. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels. 3. Axels must either be provided from Protohaven or an official kit. They may be polished or lubricated with graphite powder. 4. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited. 5. The car must not ride on any type of springs. 6. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. 7. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used. 8. All cars must have the racer’s name on the bottom of the car. Each car must pass inspection before it will be allowed to compete. The inspection staff has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
Lightweight Class Rules: Weight and Dimension Rules 1. The car weight shall not exceed 3.5 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final. 2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. 3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. 4. The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 7 inches. 5. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels. 6. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
Construction Rules The lightweight class has more free rules to allow for more creativity and surprising use of other materials. 1. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. 2. All cars must have the racer’s name on the bottom of the car.
Heavyweight Class Rules: Weight and Dimension Rules 1. The car weight shall not exceed 12 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final. 2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. 3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. 4. The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 7 inches. 5. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels. 6. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
Construction Rules The heavyweight class has unique safety challenges that must be addressed due to the harder materials and added weight. 1. No sharp points on the front of the car. Must not stick out more than ¼ from the car body. 2. Wheels may be made of metal, but must be smooth and concentric and well secured in order to not damage the track. 3. Axels may be polished or lubricated with graphite powder. Do not use oil, as that will ruin the track. 4. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are allowed. 5. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. 6. All cars must have the racer’s name on the bottom of the car.
