We are often asked, “what are the fastest Pinewood Derby wheels available?”  My answer is pretty much always the same.  First of all, the stock BSA Pinewood Derby wheels from the box are not very fast.  They are not symmetric, not perfectly round, no polished wheel bores (where the axle goes) and all four wheels usually do not match each other very well.  (However, in late 2009 BSA will make readily available their “NEW” BSA Pinewood Derby wheel which will be a bit better than the present)

So, a truly fast BSA wheel includes the following factors:

1. The lighter the wheel the faster the wheel due to low start-up inertia.
2. The truer the roundness of the wheel the faster the wheel.
3. The more polished the wheel bore the faster the wheel.

You can take the stock BSA Pinewood Derby wheels from the box and perform these modifications. However, in order to properly perform some of the most beneficial wheel modifications you must be highly skilled and have the proper equipment.  A micro-lathe or CNC is required to accurately machine the wheels interior.  This will remove a lot of unneeded plastic and drastically reduce weight.  You can decrease the stock weight of 3.6 grams per wheel all the way down to only 1.0 grams.

Unless you have the equipment and are somewhat of a master craftsman it is highly recommended that you purchase a set of official BSA wheels that have been professionally modified by an experienced machine shop.

So, finally, the answer to the question…

What are the Fastest Pinewood Derby Wheels?

Answer: This is a tough one to answer in all honesty.  The Edge wheels by Jewkes Engineering and the Derby Worx Pro Ultra-Lite Pinewood Derby Wheels are extremely fast and are official BSA wheels which are precision CNC machined and reduced in weight from 3.5 grams to only 1.0 grams each. Extensive testing has proven that these two wheels are the fastest BSA wheels available. 

Both Jewkes and Derby Worx claim their wheels are the fastest.  Both have stats to back up their claims.

These wheels can be raced without any additional preparation.  Some extra polishing on the wheel bore can be helpful.

Of course, other factors play a roll in fast wheels including reduced friction, alignment and lubrication.

I have not personally raced the Edge wheels by Jewkes but I feel confident that they are excellent wheels.  I do know this… my son’s Pinewood Derby cars have won their last three pack races and District Derbies using Derby Worx wheels.  So, in my opinion, with all things being equal, the Derby Worx Pro Ultra-Lite Pinewood Derby Wheels are the cat’s meow!

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