The Stumptown 40 – Pinewood Derby For Adults Comes to Gigantic Brewing
Over 70 years ago, the first pinewood derby competition was held and has been a staple event of the Cub Scout Program of the Boy Scouts of America ever since. More recently, the pinewood derby has been popping up for older adults at breweries. For those in Portland, get your cars ready as The Stumptown 40 makes its return on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Hosted by Gigantic Brewing and 33 Books, this unique event blends childhood nostalgia with adult beverages and an appreciation for gravity-powered racing. The event is sure to bring high-speed thrills, handcrafted engineering, and a healthy dose of competition.
“The Stumptown 40 is all about having fun, embracing the absurd, and maybe even rekindling some childhood nostalgia,” said Dave Selden, founder of 33 Books. “Whether you’re here to win or just to enjoy the spectacle, it’s a celebration of creativity, competition, and, of course, beer.”
Starting with a simple block of wood and four wheels, competitors will craft their own race cars and put them to the test in a 64-car, double-elimination tournament. Whether meticulously engineered for speed or built purely for artistic expression, every car has a chance to take home a trophy.
THE STUMPTOWN 40 CATEGORIES
- Fastest Car – For those who value speed and precision.
- Best Art Car – For those who believe style matters, as long as the car can still cross the finish line.
HOW TO ENTER
- Purchase a race car kit – Available now at any Gigantic Brewing location while supplies last.
- Register your entry – Select your race number and receive the official rules.
- Build your car – Whether it is a finely tuned speed machine or a rolling work of art, it just needs to move.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
- 2:00 Track Open for Friendlies
- 3:00 Tech Inspection Opens
- 5:50 Tech Inspection Closes
- 6:00 Green Flag
- 8:00 Trophies
With a double-elimination format, racers will get a second chance even if their first run does not go as planned. And for those whose cars prioritize creativity over aerodynamics, there will still be plenty of beer.
This event is strictly 21+ – No kids, just grown-ups reliving their derby dreams with a cold beer in hand. All proceeds from the event will benefit Schoolhouse Supplies, a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential materials for local classrooms.
For more details, visit any Gigantic Brewing location or stumptown40.com.
Gigantic Brewing Company – 5224 SE 26th Ave. – Portland, OR
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.