From the Curator: Pinewood Derbies 

 

We’re kicking off the new year with something fast, fun, and scaled-down — Pinewood Derbies every weekend in January, where Scouts race their miniature cars right here at KCAM.

At their core, Pinewood Derbies are about much more than crossing a finish line first. They offer hands-on lessons in engineering, problem-solving, and sportsmanship. Scouts see firsthand how weight, balance, friction, and design influence speed, gaining insights that reflect the same principles used in full-scale automotive engineering.

These races also foster confidence and creativity, giving Scouts the opportunity to showcase their cars, cheer on one another, and celebrate effort as much as outcome. The experience encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a respect for the process behind performance.

Hosting Pinewood Derbies at the museum is a natural fit for KCAM. Supporting Scouts aligns with our mission to educate, inspire, and connect generations through automotive history and innovation. By providing a welcoming space to race, learn, and have fun, we’re helping spark interest in STEM concepts and automotive curiosity at an early age.

We invite families, friends, and museum visitors to join us throughout January to cheer on these young racers and enjoy the excitement.

Coming next month: We are shifting gears to Volkswagen. From beloved classics to eye-catching designs, this lineup highlights the timeless charm, clever engineering, and unmistakable personality

See you at the track,
Butch Papon
Curator, Kansas City Automotive Museum