Resources / Posted by Sarah Pryor Racing Pinewood Derby cars has been a Boy Scout tradition since the 1950s, and now many other clubs and organizations are getting in on the action. The premise is simple: build a car out of a piece of wood, four nails and four wheels, and get it to the end of a sloping track as fast as possible. Since these cars rely solely on gravity and momentum to win, reducing friction is the name of the game. Here are 30 tips to get your car looking and racing its best on race day! Tips to Pick Up Speed
Coordinate derby volunteers with a sign up.SAMPLE Tips to Decorate Your Car
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Using these tips, you're sure to wow the crowd on race day. But remember, you'll need to check your competition's rules to determine which modifications are allowed. Happy racing! Sarah Pryor is a journalist, wife, mom and Auburn football fan living in Charlotte, N.C. Create a Sign UpView Plans SignUpGenius makes groups and clubs organizing easy. | Organize camping trip food and supplies with a sign up. View Example Create a Sign Up View Plans Recent Groups & Clubs Articles 50 Presidential Trivia Questions Read More 30 Meal Ideas to Support Those in Need Read More 100 National Days to Celebrate Read More Related Articles Scout Camping Checklist Read More 25 Fundraising Ideas for Clubs Read More I love SignUpGenius' ease of use and functionality. In just the last few weeks I have used SignUpGenius to help manage Girl Scout outings, Secret Santa Sign-up, a potluck, and volunteer opportunity at our preschool. The possibilities are endless.... I've tried other sign-up websites and find yours by far the best fit for my purpose. Diane Crockett - Arlington County, VA |
FAQs
What is the most important thing to make Pinewood Derby car faster? ›
A wood block with true, smooth wheels and axles will beat something honed in a wind tunnel with wobbly wheels. The most important thing for a fast pinewood derby car is true, straight wheels and axles. Next, the wheels and axles need to be as smooth (frictionless) as possible.
What are the easiest Pinewood Derby car designs? ›If you are short on time, consider a very simple design that requires only one or two cuts. For example, the wedge shaped design only requires you to cut the block on a diagonal. Hold the block so you are looking at it from the side, then draw a line with a ruler from the bottom left to the top right. Voila, one cut.
What are the best shapes for a Pinewood Derby car? ›Pinewood Derby Car Shape: The Wedge
The wedge is a classic and probably the easiest shape (besides keeping a block) to build your Pinewood Derby car. The Wedge is the foundation of many cool car designs, and it is designed to be aerodynamic and is a one-cut wonder.
Three areas on a Pinewood Derby® car must be aligned; failure to do so leaves speed on the track! The rear wheels should be set at a 3-degree angle (camber). This angle reduces friction as only a tiny portion of the wheel makes contact with the track.
Should I bake my Pinewood Derby block? ›Baking your Pinewood Derby wooden block helps to remove the moisture so that you have more wiggle room to add extra weight at the end. Remember, every little bit of weight in the right place makes a difference! Bake it in the oven at 250° for about 2 hours.
Should I glue Pinewood Derby axles? ›Slide the axles and wheels onto the car and glue into place. Use an epoxy or nonresin glue, and make sure you don't get any on the surface of the axle where the wheel rides.
Where is the best place to put weight on a Pinewood Derby car? ›PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK
Science says the heaviest part of your car should be about 1 inch in front of the rear axle. The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track.
Don't forget your safety goggles! Starting with about 300 grit sandpaper sand the wheels. Work up to as fine of grit as you can find. Only sand enough to remove imperfections and make the wheel round as possible.
What is the fastest shape for Pinewood Derby? ›No need to get crazy here, but simply having a wedge-shaped Pinewood Derby car instead of the standard block out of the box will equal a 1.4-car advantage at the finish line.
Should weights go on top or bottom of Pinewood Derby car? ›When the paint has dried, mount the weight on the top of your car as far to the rear as possible. The weight should not extend past the rear of the car. Glue bottom weights to the bottom of the block to bring the total weight (including wheels and axles) to 5 oz.
Is it better to have a heavy or light Pinewood Derby car? ›
Some prefer a lighter car while others like to go with a heavier car, but adding too much weight can cause your car to slow down instead of speed up! Ultimately, you'll want to test out different weights and placement options to dial in the best performance for your pinewood derby car!
Should Pinewood Derby cars be heavy or light? ›Assuming all other factors are equal, a heavier car will be faster than a lighter car. The Pinewood Derby rules limit the weight of each car to 5 ounces.
How far to push in Pinewood Derby axles? ›The end of the axle guide should be flush with the side of the car body. 4. Hold the Axle Guide in place with your thumb then gently press the car body straight down on the axle. Push until the wheel touches the car body.
Which wheel to lift on Pinewood Derby car? ›Decide which wheel to lift by sending your car down a straight line and seeing which side of the line it drifts toward. If it drifts left, raise the left front wheel. If it drifts right, raise the right front wheel.
What factors might affect the speed of a Pinewood Derby car? ›The following parameters made pinewood derby cars faster: using graphite on the axles and wheels, using lightweight wheels and polished axles, lifting the left front wheel and bending rear axles also raised speed.
Why is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster? ›How do I weight a pinewood derby car? Weigh or weight (adjust the weight to the maximum allowed)? First weight is important for two reasons: More weight gives the car more potential energy from the starting height (about 4 feet) and makes the car go faster.
Where is the best placement of weight on a Pinewood Derby car? ›PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK
Science says the heaviest part of your car should be about 1 inch in front of the rear axle. The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track.