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.
Why is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster?
Weights. One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
Does a longer wheelbase make a pinewood derby car faster?
The longer the wheel base, the greater the turning distance (a short car turns much more quickly than a long car). A pinewood derby car should go as straight as possible, so a longer wheel base is an advantage.
Is it better to have more weight in front or back of pinewood derby?
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.
Is graphite legal in pinewood derby?
Weight of the car cannot exceed 5 ounces. 5. Liquid graphite is not allowed. See Dogwood District Pinewood Derby Rules for complete listing of all event rules.
What weight should I use for my derby car?
Tungsten is the best weight for your pine derby car because it allows you to pack more weight in a smaller area giving you more flexibility in your car design and more accurate weight placement for speed. Package contains eight 3/8″ diameter cylinders with chamfored edges for easy insertion.
How long do car Derbys last?
Normal heats can last anywhere from 10–30 minutes, while an entire event can take place over the span of a few days. The last running car that makes contact with another driver wins the event.
Where is the best place to put weight on a 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.
Should I sand my Pinewood Derby wheels?
Running the drill at low speed, carefully sand the tread area of the wheel just enough to take off the mold “flash” at the outside edge of the tread and smooth the tread area down to take out the “dimple” which is typically where the wheel was cut off the “sprue” or mold tree.
Where should pinewood derby center of gravity be?
Many pinewood car building experts agree that the ideal CG location is about ¾” just forward of the rear axle (assumes a standard pinewood derby car wheel base of 4 3/8”).
How long does it take to build a derby car?
How long does it take to build a pinewood derby car? Plan on at least one day to cut and sand the car, another day to paint it and a third day to add decals and the wheels and axles.
Should you bake your Pinewood Derby car?
Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the weight of the car shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn’t go over 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.
Is Heavier better for pinewood derby?
Weight and Distribution One of the most fundamental rules in the Pinewood Derby is the maximum weight limit of 5.000 ounces, or 141.643 grams. Simple physical principles dictate that a heavier car will run faster.
What is the best design for a pinewood derby?
The fastest and best performing pinewood derby car designs often have the weights affixed around the rear wheel axle. By placing the weight at the rear of the car, it can better push the car forward, gaining momentum and using it to move the car across the flat section towards the finish line.
Do aerodynamics matter in pinewood derby?
A more aerodynamic car (but very similar for other things) doesn’t give you much bang for your buck. Friction will get you. If you can reduce the coefficient of friction by just a little bit, it will make a noticeable difference. If you let your kids do most of the work, they will gain more than a win.
What cars make good derby cars?
Chrysler Imperial — The 1964 – ’68 Imperial is notoriously tough, to the point that most derbies banned it. Ford LTD/Crown Victoria — The Panther chassis is stupid cheap, and cop car tough. Chevy Impala — Box or bubble, you can’t go wrong beating on an Impala.
Should I glue pinewood derby axles?
7. Create Glue Holes: 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. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.
What is a good pinewood derby time?
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).
What is the best type of paint to use on a pinewood derby car?
High-quality, Testors-Model Master acrylic paints are easy to apply, wash up with water, and most importantly, provide a great finish for your pinewood derby car.
What Pinewood Derby car design is fastest?
The Black PRO Car is our fastest pinewood derby car. It pushes the Speed Limit! It is track-tested car ready to race featuring our race winning PRO friction-free BSA Ultra-Lite graphite-coated wheels and PRO BSA graphite-coated grooved axles.