The Boy Scouts of America has change the wheels in the Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit and were introduced to the supply chain in January 2009. There has been a lot of questions surrounding them.  One question has been why the BSA changed the wheels in the first place.  Several reasons have cropped up from cost reduction to replacing worn out molds.  One thing for sure, the new wheels somewhat levels the competition because they require much less preparation to be fast

Bill Launius at Derby Worx, Inc. made the following comments
–The B.S.A. had the current molds as they put it “Cleaned up, repaired or replaced” since they were getting old and worn. Some of the molds dated back to 1985. THESE up-dated wheels have been slowly introduced into the supply chain since some time late January (I and National supply are surprised that more people have not seen them yet). The B.S.A. does not consider this to be a big change or improvement, just a reworking of the existing designs due to age and wear, also it is not a announced change or improvement as some of the crazies think it should be and no one was informed at national supply outside of purchasing. I don’t understand why everyone thinks the B.S.A. should make like perfect parts for the Pinewood Derby, the real beauty of PWD is teaching, showing and correcting the little imperfections of the existing kit and truly succeeding as a father and son team, if everything is PREFECT then what? –

One problem now is that some kits have the new wheels and some have the old.  That can create some competitive advantages at pack and district races because the new wheels are faster than the old when pulled straight out of the kit box.  Pinewood Derby coordinators must be aware of this and handle it accordingly.

The Main Differences Between the Old and New Wheels

•I.               Outside

• A. The font style on the raised lettering has slightly changed as you’ll notice from the photo of the wheel comparison.
• B. The old style wheel has the “TM” trade mark symbol whereas the new wheel shows the ® registered trademark symbol.
• C. The new style wheel has a recessed ring in the outer hub. This ring will likely create more friction against the inside of the axle head.

•II.            Inside

• A. Just like on the outside, the font style has changed from the old to new wheels.
• B. The inner hub is reduced in diameter.
• C. The inner hub is coned.
• D. The tread is slightly thinner.

•III.           Tread Surface

• A. The new wheel has no mold marks on the tread surface.
• B. The new tread surface requires much less additional work to be competitive.

•IV.           Overall

• A. The basic measurements are the same.
• B. The new wheels are lighter.
• C. The new wheels are truer.
• D. The new wheels are more accurate.
• E. The new wheels are slightly smaller in diameter.
• F. The new wheels are faster.

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