MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ
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.
Are heavier pinewood derby cars 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.
Where should you put the weight on a pinewood derby car?
Best Location to Weight Your Pinewood Derby Car
When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
What is the fastest shape for a pinewood derby car?
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
What can I use for weights on a pinewood derby car?
Below are several suggestions for adding weights to your pinewood derby car.
Zinc Top Weight.Lead Wire Weights.Tungsten Weights.Tungsten Canopy.
How can I make my derby car faster?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby Car
Bake your block. Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). Sand and polish your wheels and axles. Check alignment. Spend time on sanding. Use a high-quality paint. Add decals!
Are Bent Axles legal in pinewood derby?
Axles may be bent or inserted to cant the wheels. 4. Axles may be positioned to allow one wheel to NOT touch the track via adjustment, bent axle or placement as long as this DOES NOT violate any other specifications.
Should you bake your pinewood derby car?
Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. You can then add more weight to the back of the car.
How do you make a gravity car go faster?
how to improve your vehicle
add more weight to your vehicle. Contrary to other vehicle-based events, you should maximize the weight of your gravity vehicle. use wider wheels. Oil your axles.
How do you cut a derby car?
How Do You Cut A Pinewood Derby Car?
The best way to cut a Pinewood Derby Car is with a band saw, followed by Dremel tools for shaping, sanding, or drilling out any cutouts. The nice thing about a band saw is that it cuts a straight line through the wood very easily.
How do you bend a Pinewood Derby axle?
We recommend installing axles with a 1.5° bend for the front of the car and 2.5° bend for the rear. The axles heads are marked in the direction of the bend. Install the axles with the mark straight up. The alignment procedure requires turning the axles while they are in the car slot.
