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 30 Community Service Ideas to Celebrate National Volunteer Month Read More 30 Fun Facts About Easter Read More 20 Planning Tips and Ideas for Your Company Retreat 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? ›
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
What is the best design for a Pinewood Derby car? ›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.
What is the best shape to cut a Pinewood Derby car? ›No Fancy Shapes
This is where some might differ in their approach to the Pinewood Derby. It's okay to get creative with the look and design of your car. On the flip side of that, if your main goal is speed, you'll need to keep it simple. To go fast, it's all about aerodynamics, and the best shape is a simple wedge.
PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK
(Don't put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unstable and pop a wheelie.) Our expert says if you do this correctly, you will beat a Pinewood Derby car built exactly the same — except with the weight toward its front — by 4.6 car lengths.
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? ›Secure Axles with Glue: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don't get glue on your wheels. 8. Strategic Weight Addition: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.
Should you sand Pinewood Derby wheels? ›Turning your wheels on a lathe are the best way to remove imperfections and get a uniform, balanced and finely tuned pinewood derby wheel. The wheel is secured in the lathe and spun at a high speed, then it is sanded or shaved with a tool attachment.
Which wheel should be raised Pinewood Derby? ›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.
Can you put lights on a Pinewood Derby car? ›This Head/Tail Lights kit features two white headlights and two red tail lights. Your pinewood derby car should have enough space in the front and rear to mount the lights.
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.
Is it better to have a heavy or light Pinewood Derby car? ›
In most races, the maximum allowable weight of a pinewood derby car is five ounces. By meeting this maximum limit – while also strategically placing your weights at the rear of your vehicle – you will improve your momentum and increase the distance your car travels towards the finish line.
Is it better to have a lighter or heavier Pinewood Derby car? ›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.
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 my Pinewood Derby car slow? ›Your pine wood derby car moves from the force of gravity and is slowed down from friction. Friction acts like brakes. Reduce friction and your car goes faster. Increase friction and your car slows down.
Why do heavier Pinewood Derby cars go faster? ›The acceleration due to gravity is a constant. So the more mass, the greater the force acting on the car. This force is competing against the force exerted by aerodynamic drag, so you want as much mass as possible to increase the force.
Does graphite help Pinewood Derby car? ›While just about any graphite will work as a lubricant, some versions are specially formulated and work best for Pinewood Derby®. Liquid - There are different liquid lubricants as well. Nyoil™ has been a popular option in years past, as well as Krytox™, produced by DuPont®.