Derby Car Template - FULLY PARAMETRIC!

This project is a fully parametric CAD template for an AWANA Grand Prix (aka Pinewood Derby) car, intended to serve as a clean, well-documented starting point for designing your own custom cars.

Rather than locking you into a single design, this model focuses on structure, accuracy, and flexibility, making it ideal for:

• Custom car bodies

• Experimental weight placement

• Precision axle and wheel alignment

• Iterative design and optimization

The model is released under the LGPL license, so you’re free to use, modify, and build upon it while keeping improvements open to the community.

📐 File Formats Included

• STEP – for compatibility with most CAD tools

• Fusion 360 (.F3Z) – fully native, editable, and documented

🔧 Parametric Design Philosophy

This model is deeply parametric, with nearly everything driven by named parameters and internal calculations.
All parameters are commented and organized using a consistent naming scheme:

• Input_* – Commonly adjusted values (what most users will touch)

• Spec_* – Rarely changed values tied to official specs or constraints

• Var_* – Internal calculated values used by the model

This makes it easy to:

• Understand why something exists

• Safely customize dimensions

• Avoid accidentally breaking constraints

🖨 3D Printing Notice (Important!)

Always check with your local AWANA / Pinewood Derby event before 3D printing any parts.

Rules vary widely by organization, region, and even individual events. Some allow:

• Fully 3D printed bodies

• Hybrid builds

• CAD-designed but wood-manufactured parts

Others may prohibit printed components entirely. It is the builder’s responsibility to verify compliance with all local rules, specifications, and material requirements before racing.

📸 Share Your Builds!

I would love to see what you make with this template — whether:

• It’s still in CAD

• Fresh off the printer

• After the race

Feel free to upload makes and photos even if it hasn’t raced yet. Inspiration is half the fun!