{"id":89,"date":"2026-04-12T12:52:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T00:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gcz.nz\/pinewood-hq\/?p=89"},"modified":"2026-05-12T22:15:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T10:15:47","slug":"glow-in-the-dark-derby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gcz.nz\/pinewood-hq\/library\/glow-in-the-dark-derby\/","title":{"rendered":"Glow-in-the-dark Derby"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A few years ago when searching for pinewood derby wheels, I came across Scouting America coloured wheels that glow under black lights (UV light). At the time that were prohibitively expensive to import so I filed the thought away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward to a couple of years ago, and our derby had grown to the point where we were struggling to fit everyone into a weekend, and we contemplated adding evening sessions. To make these sessions special, we decided to give a glow-in-the-dark derby a go and I imported some coloured wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We encouraged participants to paint their cars in fluorescent paints, and dress up in clothes or accessories that would glow under UV lights. We rigged up a string of UV LEDs down the length of the track, and setup UV lights over our car judging table. Some coloured disco lights added to the effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cars looks awesome zooming down the track, lit up in the nearly dark hall. Here are some photos of our glow sessions from the last 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n