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A photo finish at the Pintwood Derby in 2015. (Credit: Chris Lisinski)

It’s time to put those 7th grade woodshop skills to the test. Long Ireland Beer Co. is reintroducing the old-fashioned childhood derby race to adult craft beer lovers at its first wintertime Pintwood Derby.

The popular event is usual held in the summer, but “We felt like we should do it this time of year to give people something to do during the dreary days of winter,” said brewery co-owner Dan Burke. “We also had a strategic plan to have it on a day without football.”

Racers can compete in teams or individually for trophies, cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights at the Jan. 27 event. Even if you’re not a master woodworker, there’s a good chance you can pull off crafting a fully operational, pint-sized car in time for the races. They’re easy to make — we’ve been assured — and the kits are available at the tasting room for $5.

“If you have the basic skills to make a birdhouse, you can make a Pintwood derby car,” Burke said.

Not a racer? Not a problem. Spectators are welcome to watch from the sidelines free of charge, though there is a commemorative $10 Pintwood Derby glass available for purchase. The cost of the glass earns you a wristband for $1 off pints during the entire event.

The races get underway on an official derby track at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Polish Town brewery. Racers are required to register in advance and are entitled to the commemorative glass and its $1 off perk. Sign up here or in person at the brewery.

Long Ireland Beer Co. is located at 817 Pulaski Street in Riverhead.

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