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When you were a kid, did you ever build a pinewood racecar and race with your friends. Let’s face it, most grown-up hot rodders are still kids at heart, doing on a full-size scale what they used to do on a small scale. And some of them, even well-know pros, are still doing it on a small scale from time to time. And thanks to SEMA, they have a place to race. SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) are giving builders a chance to turn a block of wood into a screaming gravity-powered hot rod dragster and compete against each other in the 2010 Pinewood Builders Race, presented by eBay Motors. The race takes place at the annual SEMA Banquet in Pasadena, California, on July 24. According to SEMA press releases, dozens of well-known rod and custom car builders have already stepped up for the challenge of building the quickest pinewood hot rod in three separate classes: stock, modified, and unlimited. The rules for building the cars are simple. There are none. Each builder has been given a hunk of wood and no limits on what they can do with it. Gene Winfield, Roy Brizio, Bobby Alloway, Allan Johnson, Rick Dore, Art Morrison, and Clay Smith, and other famous builders are whittling away even as we speak. Their designs are no doubt well-guarded secrets and what they come up with remains to be seen, but we hear that most of the competitors are taking this very seriously. Like that’s a surprise. On July 24, one car will receive the HRIA Cup and another will win the Best Design award. In addition to the challenge of creating a winning car, the thrill of heads-up competition, the glory of victory, and the forest-fresh scent of mean pine machines, there is a philanthropic side to this whole thing. Aftermarket companies are stepping up with cash sponsorships for the cars. All the proceeds raised will go to the Victory Junction Gang Camp and to Childhelp USA. Later in the year, all of the pinewood racecars, autographed by their builders, will be on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. A silent auction among SEMA members will raise additional money for the charities. We’re planning on being at the starting line when the flag drops on July 24 and will bring you all the action from the race. Stay tuned.
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