Before kids could race increasingly realistic cars through video game systems, young gearheads took to the track for the skilled craft of pinewood derby racing. While the cars that resulted weren’t the most high-tech, they certainly played a hand in building a customization experience for young enthusiasts, and chances are, sparked interest in the automotive industry for a number of them.

SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) recognizes this and held their own pinewood derby at this year’s SEMA Installation Banquet and Gala Fundraiser. While the races have already been won, the fun hasn’t stopped with the organization staging a vote for Best in Show and Best Engineered for the pinewood derby cars at the annual SEMA Show later this year. And if any entry stands out, we’re betting it’ll be this miniature Bonneville-style roadster submitted by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

Built by Goodguys Gazette editor Kirk Jones, the Goodguys pinewood derby roadster has truly incredible detail. Leave it to the kings of hot rods to include a roll cage, Buick drums, painted Moon discs, a tonneau cover and even a quick change rearend on their entry.

The little racer is topped off with a sleek coat of blue paint and some Goodguys insignia.

Voting for the Best of Show and Best Engineered awards will take place during the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on October 30th and 31st at the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley.

The winning cars will then be auctioned off during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception on the evening of October 31st with proceeds going to Childhelp, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping neglected and abused children, and Victory Junction Camp, a camp that caters to kids with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses.

The Goodguys pinewood derby car is quite the piece of artwork, so be sure to stop by the HIRA booth and vote for it if you’re heading to the SEMA Show this year.