Pinewood Derby Car Speed
Discovered secrets for getting the most speed from a car and will guarantee that you will have a competitive pinewood derby car!
Maximize Momentum
As stated earlier, momentum must be maximized for top performance; and the key to momentum is weight. In each pinewood derby car race, there is a maximum allowable weight for the car is usually 5 ounces.
For a five ounce maximum weight, you will likely need to add 2 or 3 ounces of weight to the car. For the best performance add weight towards the rear of the car.
The type of weight does affect how easily the desired weight can be achieved. Denser weights (such as Lead or Tungsten) take up less space, so it is easier to reach the maximum weight. Also, since denser weights require a smaller volume of space, they allow creation of more aerodynamic cars
Pinewood Derby Car Aerodynamic Shape
Low-profile cars will tend to outperform higher profile cars.
Cars should taper from a smaller surface area in the front to a larger surface area in the rear.
Edges running across the car should be rounded or tapered.
Wings, sails, flags and etc. tend to decrease performance.
Open holes or pockets can catch air and slow down a car.
Pinewood Derby Car Wheel & Axle Preparation
All of the frictional losses in a pinewood derby car come from the wheels and axles. Start by inspecting the parts in your kit. If a part has a serious flaw, replace it.
Next, prepare the nails.
Place the nail in the chuck of a drill and use a Mini-File to remove the flashing under the nail head and minimize the ridges on the shaft. Beveling the nail head slightly also helps.
Finally, polish the axles with an Axle Polishing Kit until they are bright and shiny.
To prepare the wheels, use some wet, fine grit sandpaper to polish the wheels.
Pinewood Derby Car Wheel & Axle Lubrication
Lubrication is an extremely important key. The difference in time between a well lubricated car and a car without lubrication can be one half second or more.
Most people use graphite for lubrication. Graphite is carbon that has been ground up into a fine powder. There are many varieties and qualities of graphite available at hobby and hardware stores, so make sure to get a good brand.
While lubricating with graphite, make sure to work it in thoroughly. After lubricating, free spin the wheels several times to break in the lubricant, Since graphite works best after a break in period, don’t re lubricate between race heats.
Pinewood Derby Car Wheel & Axle Alignment
For your car to get to the finish line as quickly as possible, it needs to go straight. If it goes side to side down the track, it will travel a longer distance and it will continually lose speed as it bumps and rubs against the guide rail.
To minimize the amount of alignment adjustment needed, make sure that the axle slots (holes) are perfectly parallel to each other and make sure that the axles are inserted perfectly straight.
There are a some different alignment procedures, but the simplest method is as follows:
Determine which of the front axles appears to be the most firmly on the ground.
Remove the axle from the car and remove the wheel.
Use a tool to put a slight bend in the axle.
Replace the wheel and re-insert the axle with the bend upwards.
Roll the car on a smooth and level surface.
If it does not roll straight, slightly rotate the bent axle by grasping the axle head with a pair of pliers.
Repeat these steps until the pinewood derby car rolls straight.