When building a car model like this Derby consider adding some electronics that makes it more unique and luxurious. MYX have made excellent combination of pinewood Derby model and Arduino (actually Funnle IO) controlled front with bunch of SMD LEDs that makes various effects like strobing, pulsing, fading and blinking.

Joule Thief PWD from MYX on Vimeo.

Everything looks really neat – even PCB is specially traced to look great with specially shaped ornaments. So sit back and enjoy the ride.