Resources / Posted by Sarah Pryor
Tips to Pick Up Speed
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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. Create a Sign Up View Plans View Sample Sign Up 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
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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 
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 car shape for Pinewood Derby? ›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.
Pinewood Derby Results. The average times with just weight added was 3.288 seconds. There was 0.188 seconds between the fastest and slowest car, about 23 inches. The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
Which wheel should be raised in a Pinewood Derby? ›The wheels are a significant source of potential energy drain on a Pinewood Derby® car. Raising the non-steer wheel (typically the front left) so it does not contact the track reduces the amount of energy used to start the wheels spinning.
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.
Should weights go on top or bottom of Pinewood Derby car? ›Thus, the best position for the additional mass is very low down (even below the line of the axles if possible), at the back. Having been in the derby and lost as a kid, and as parent, it is true that the angle tapers back, so you could gain a small amount of potential energy by placing it back as far as possible.
Should you sand Pinewood Derby wheels? ›Use the high grit (1000) sandpaper to sand the edge of the wheel while spinning it with the drill. Do not over-sand; you want to sand just enough to remove the flashing. With modified wheels, you'll want to sand off any burs from the cutting process but don't round over the edge.
Is it better to have a heavy or light Pinewood Derby car? ›You must make allowances for these items or risk having a car that weighs too much. Adding weight is easier than taking weight off of the car! Therefore, many builders target a car weight that is slightly less than 5 ounces.
How to make the best pine derby car? ›Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the car's weight shouldn't exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn't exceed the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You'll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.
How should I cut my Pinewood Derby car? ›
Band saws are the best tool for cutting a Pinewood Derby car block. If you don't have access to a band saw, a coping saw will do. Coping saws are economical and can cut unusual shapes and curves. Coping Saws are intended for cutting curves in thin material but they can be used for cutting your Pinewood Derby car.
Why bend Pinewood Derby axles? ›You will want to bend your front axle a PRECISE AMOUNT for maximum speed, ensuring the car is level front to back when racing.
How far to push in Pinewood Derby axles? ›Push until the wheel touches the car body. The base is designed to leave the proper gap between the wheel and body.
How to make a pine derby car faster? ›For a fast car, you want the add more weight to the rear. The arrow car shape, for example, has a definite pointier front and slim body with cut-in sides that lead to a flared back end. You will want to ensure that the weight is slightly heavier near the rear wheel axle, so add weight to the flared back end.
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.
Does a heavier Pinewood Derby car go faster? ›So where should you place weights to make the car heavier (faster)? Most PWD experts believe a car is faster when the weight is predominately placed towards the rear of the car.
Is it better to have a lighter or heavier Pinewood Derby car? ›First, the basics: Your car should weigh as much as it's allowed. In most races, a Pinewood Derby car's weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.