How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car
Packs nationwide are gearing up for their annual Pinewood Derby. There are a variety of ways to make your Pinewood Derby car go faster. Explore the following tips to optimize your car’s performance and gain a competitive edge in an upcoming race.
BASIC GUIDELINES FOR PINEWOOD DERBY CAR DESIGN
The possibilities are endless when it comes to picking a shape for your Pinewood Derby car. Before you begin, consider the following general guidelines:
Avoid Pointed Noses: A pointed nose will make it difficult for your Pinewood Derby car to rest on the pin at the starting gate. It may also cause your Pinewood Derby car to get bumped around when the pin drops, and it can create problems for electronic timing systems at the finish line.
Weight Distribution: Leave ample wood in the rear of the Pinewood Derby car so you can place additional weight there. Concentrate the majority of the weight in the rear for optimal performance.
Maximum Weight: Aim for the maximum allowable weight, typically limited to 5 ounces in most races. If your car falls short of this weight, strategically add coins or other weights to meet the requirement.
Clarity in Orientation: Clearly distinguish the front and back of your Pinewood Derby car. In many races, the race officials — not you — will actually place each Pinewood Derby car on the track. Sometimes the officials put the Pinewood Derby car on the track backward because they can’t tell which end is which.
Aerodynamic Design: Select a design that facilitates smooth airflow over and around the Pinewood Derby car body. Pinewood Derby cars with aerodynamic profiles go faster.
See photo galleries of hundreds of Pinewood Derby car designs.
10 STEPS FOR DESIGNING AND BUILDING YOUR PINEWOOD DERBY CAR
You don’t have to strive for the fastest Pinewood Derby car to have fun competing in your Pinewood Derby. But if you and a helpful adult are willing to put in the extra time and effort, these tips are for you.
1. Bake the Block: Start your Pinewood Derby car project by baking the wood block at 250 degrees for two hours. This removes moisture and lightens the block, allowing you to place more weight at the rear of the car where you actually want it.
2. Crafting the Design: Outline your Pinewood Derby car on paper, cut it out, and affix it to the wood block.
Remember, a rectangular car is not an aerodynamic design. The most basic aerodynamic design is a simple wedge. If you don’t have time to design a complex car, a wedge will work just fine.
Download a Pinewood Derby car template PDF to help you create your design.
3. Rough Cut the Design: Use a coping saw or enlist the help of a responsible adult with a power tool to cut out the rough shape of your Pinewood Derby car.
4. Shape Your Car: Smooth edges and shape your car using sandpaper. An adult can assist with a rotary tool or other shaping tools.
5. Sand and Paint Creatively: Reduce friction by smoothing the car’s surface and paint an awesome design to make it look great.
How to paint your Pinewood Derby car to give it a shiny finish.
6. Axles and Wheels Alignment: Make sure they are aligned perfectly straight. You can test the alignment of your axles by pushing your car across a smooth floor or table. It should roll smoothly in a straight line.
— Consider a Three-Wheeler: Raise one wheel about 1/16 inch higher so it never actually touches the track. Less friction = more speed. Rules vary from pack to pack, so make sure to check your pack’s Pinewood Derby rules to make sure three wheelers are allowed in your race.
— Extend the Wheelbase: Maximize the distance between front and rear wheels. Again, make sure this is allowed in your race.
Learn about polishing Pinewood Derby axles and wheels to reduce friction.
7. 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. In general, it’s best to place weight to the rear of your car because a heavier rear increases speed.
Learn scientific Pinewood Derby speed tips from a former NASA engineer.
9. Use Graphite: Add graphite or another dry lubricant to reduce friction. The less friction between the body and wheel, the better.
10. Have fun! And finally, remember the most important rule of a Pinewood Derby is that it’s supposed to be fun. While you should always strive to do your best, don’t get caught up in winning or having the fastest car. Just enjoy the ride.
Adapted from the book “Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets,” DK Publishing, $12.95 softcover.
thank you this was very helpful and the info on the video helped me learn about the pinewood derby again thanks!xoxo
Very cool and fun pinewood derby
this is raele gate to halp me win
This artiucle helped me and my not so helpful team win a school science contest. Thank you !!!!!!!~!!!!!!! Sincerely, Person from New Jersey.
I think your article was informational and really helps people when it comes to build a car.
So sad I can’t compete this year!
download pokemon and animal crossing
Most IMPORTANT, HAVE FUN!!
These tips are great but in most cases entries must have all four wheels touching the track. There are also some restrictions on how wide the wheel base can be so make sure you know the rules of the race before you make alterations.
Thanks!
Great tips guys!
Pinewood derby is a great way to teach cubs about physics. Basically the car body represents stored energy. One trick to speeding up a car is to remove mass from the wheels so that less energy is required to start and keep the wheels turning. Less mass in the wheels also allows more weight to be added to the body.
Doing good guys doing good
thanks
cool
awesome
fun
Also make sure that you also smooth down any plastic burs on the wheels but make sure you do not create any flat spots while doing so.
Most Districts require that all four wheels make contact with the track.
Try gloss paint
Try an old drill bit through the back and leave it there
It is super,great,fun fantastic,spectacular,smart,amazing,cool,awesome and good!🤗🤤🤑😺😸😹😻😽👍🏼🤟🏼👏🏼👶🏼👧🏽🧒🏽👦🏼⭐️🌟☀️🌈✨🌞🥇💸💵💴💶💷💳💳💎🗞❤️🧡💛💚💙 🖤
I love the pinewood derby
It is AWESOME won my derby last year!!!!!!!!!!you should try it.
What is the total time, on average, to make a Pinewood Derby car, start to finish?
wow
it took me 2 hours, but i am only eleven.
it did not help?
wow it is amazing
does the 1/16 of an inch work well?
Yes! If your Council allows it, you should raise one wheel and then make the car steer slighting to that side (making the wheel that’s touching the track rub up against the rail).
Doing this allowed my son’s car to go 0.11 seconds faster at the District race than he did at the Pack race. (same exact track). He got 1st in Wolves at the pack race, but did not place overall. At the District race, he place fist overall!
We’ll see how he does in a coupe months at the Council race.
MY CAR IS AWSOME
Three wheelers and changing the wheel base are not allowed. Just sayin.
Actually, in some races three wheels is allowed. Your pack probably does not allow three wheels
Our pack allows them and most we race against,some packs just willnot allow it tho.
Been doing these for years and my boys still bring home 1st in den and pack every year. Two more to go till youngest moves on. Like they say wheel and axle prep is everything.
cool
around here slow and steady does not win the race
duhh!
You need to run the car a time or two after applying graphite to remove the excess.. Also after prepping your axles and wheels, burn your wheels in by putting the wheel on the axle and put in a drill. Run the drill and dump the graphite on. Hold the wheel a little to allow the axle to spin in the wheel.
fast is the winner
These tips will defenetly help me, thank you!
ileagle to raise the wheel
I did mine like a wedge
this is gonna help hopes up 🙂
My son lost!!!
once the car has been posted, where can we go to see it on line?
lol
i won first in my den
I hope the tips work for me 🤞
raise the third wheel so it doesn’t touch the track
I’ve done that before. My car (called broken thunder) had one of it’s wheels dislodged, but it didn’t get fixed ’til after the 3rd race. After that, I didn’t lose a single race.
Great Advice!!!
never tried this, gonna tonight
I won my pack in 2nd place 🙂
i should use tires
Never forget the wheels on your car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got it😑
I did pretty much all this and I came in 1st for my pack and in 5th for the district races. It was just my first year and my dad had a friend who did this when he was in scouts.
Lst yr I won first prize in the sibling race(when my Dad was cutting my car frame,he accidentally cut it too thin).
I did 2 races and i won both with the same design.
Make it smooth and slick.
I will use this and make an ultimate goatcar
Uhh… I’m not sure what you plan to do to make that.
does the car have to have 4 wheels or can it race with 3
dude i lost only because i did not sand it
does the car have to have 4 wheels or can it race with 3
putting wheels and weights on just a block is actually really fast. believe me. One just won our derby.
liar
I have done the same. Made a Minecraft block with the square wooden block. Polished the axles and wheels as per regs and put graphite on the axles. Came in first for speed in my Den and third for speed overall
Canted wheels reduce friction (bonus: rail riding is good not bad)
nice going try using wood glue
put an engine in it
put a rocket on it
put wheels on it
did you do that
number 3
this is the best 2nd pine wood derby here i come
make it look like a racecar, like the general shape, thats what i did and i won first place.
first pine wood derby, so this will help a lot!
duck tape works very well on a car
tires…are what wins the race
If you only have 3 wheels touching in our race you are breaking the BSA rules that are IN THE BOX!! You won’t race!! What happened to be trustworthy !!
Three wheeled cars are cheaters in our area.
I will work hard
I have never baked the block. My son won the Derby last year, but only by a small amount. Axles & wheels make all the world of difference! Push the weight to the limit and keep it as far back, towards the rear, of the car.
Happy racing!
I want to go so bad.
This is cool.
“You do not want your car to be perfectly aligned, rail riders are much faster!” Will Someone please explain that comment? The idea seems to include friction, which would slow it down, not make it faster.
You were being sandbagged.
The extra friction cause by riding the rails is less than the extra friction caused by the car moving back and forth on the track. The only downside is if the track is not smooth. If that’s the case, then a rail rider could jump the track or bounce.
The thing to help balance the car is to also match the tires. Each tire has a mold number on the back of the tire. Matching all four tires will give good balance to the car. Avoid using mold number 13 as it has a nick on the inside of the tire which causes the car to wobble. We’ve had tire swaps in our pinewood derby clinics in our Pack. Lots of fun finding matching tires.
Hey does anyone know a practical application to this?
I wanted to do a science project on this for school, but I have trouble finding a practical concept or use for pinewood derby racing. Help? I thank you for reading this, but replying would be more helpful!
You do not want your car to be perfectly aligned, rail riders are much faster!
this is the best
so the pine wood derby car i mad was a truck but it came in first three times
that was so cool I like how you got that thing to make your car go faster that was so cool
Cool
not bad
i dont know how
cool
I love this website.
The quality of your axles and wheels may be the most important factor in building a fast car. SO TRUE!
The quality of your axles and wheels may be the most important factor in building a fast car. Here’s how to choose and polish your axles and wheels. SO TRUE! I WON the race that way!
Bake it after making it
im making a derby car in science class this week
I’m going to make the best car ever vroom vroom let go get ’em!!
Nice job guiding me on how to make a PWD car I won first place because you showed me how to do it good.
cool
wow i really learned alot from this…. thanks
lol
I’m Going to make a fast car
NO. Bake it before you do anything else to the car.
I am going to make the best car ever.
I ruined my car because i baked it first 🙁
why did you bake it???
Explain how you ruined your car?
this is my third derby, and I haven’t been on the winner stand. I always get fourth
Put less wheel on the track tilt 3 wheels were you have as little wheel as possible touching the track less friction
Great article & tips. I’m making my own car for a fundraiser. These tips will make it more fun!
thanks for the tips, i am in webelos 1.
this is really helpful i’m building a car in school to race and it needs to be really fast
Where do I start, all it is now is a block of wood!
These tips are very useful. Thanks
thanks I’m working on a pinewood derby car and I’m a cub scout.
thanks for the tips
I want to get first instead of second because I get second every time but my pinewood derby is in about 4 or 5 days!!
I won second place every time but now I’m aiming for 1st place
the pinewood derby cars are awesome
I don’t know how to build one
How long is block for the pinewood derby car?
Vroom vroom
Iol
Ya
Vroom vroom
I won the tornoment
Awsome tips
love it.frozen car
i lost last year!
thx
Frozen car
I love this website please more wheel and axel!!!!!!!!!!
love it
I relay don’t know if I should bake it or not! Pit Boss puts up a good claim but boys life is… well… boys life!!!!!HELP! My pinewood derby is in a few weeks! Also who is this pit boss???
IMPORTANT!!! Bake it AFTER the car is fully shaped, drilled and sanded (to remove the most moisture weight from the remaining wood and replace it with weight at the rear of the car, until you reach the 5 Oz overall limit).
I havent started and the race is tomorrow
No Problem, shove those wheels in the block; paint it yellow, and ya got a bus. or Red for a Fire truck. Your son should be making it anyhow. Enjoy the journey together. Have fin, YOURs in Scouting, Mike Master
Should I ride the rail in the race or not
you should gold rush
Thanks for the tips man!
Don’t get caught up in winning, just have fun.
i am so confused! do i use a 4 wheeler or a 3 wheeler? do i just use a wedge? do i drill a hole into the car and put a lot of quarters in there? do i bake it or keep it the same? should i make the wheels smooth or make them bumpy so they can go over crakes or holes like its nothin? PLS ANSWER ME!
Yes; Follow the rules for your district – if you get disqualified, you can’t ever win.
The spirit here is to build a car with your Scout. As they get older, they should be doing more of the work each year. I still see Webelos who have Gramps bring their cars to the Derby. While exciting for the Webelos to see their car for the first time, it goes directly against the spirit of involvement.
Hope it works👍
I have a race in next month.
I’ll try these techniques!
When I made my car I slanted it and it had awesome aero dynamics.
won & now I made my own
The only thing I now is to get in third place is to
Make your car like a ramp
Pinewood derby
I have done well with my pinewood derby yesterday but I was position two and I won a
Medal and I wish I do better than that next time
Can I set the wheels up magnetically so they don’t touch the car n float on the axle
Is a 4 wheeler or a 3 wheeler better for racing and do you pu two wheels in the front or back for more speed if the 3 wheeler goes faster
I would advise against baking the block “to remove moisture and make it lighter,” for two reasons. First, baking the block may cause the wood to warp or twist, and a crooked block would make wheel alignment very difficult. And secondly, to “make it lighter” ?!! Are you kidding me?!! WHY make it lighter just to add more weight to it? This is a totally unnecessary (and potentially damaging) step. You are better off leaving the block’s minimal moisture content as is.
I was thinking the same thing. A “raw” pinewood derby block with wheels and axles attached doesn’t even weigh 5 oz. so why are we concerned with drying the wood to make it lighter? Not a good piece of advise at all . . .
The lighter you can make the body, hence material removal and drying, the more weight (tungsten & tungsten puttty is best for this in thin / light cars) that can be concentrated to the proper spots in the rear creating more potential energy. Every little bit adds up in speed, Pinewood Derby races are won in hundredths of a second.
Because you want all the weight three quarters of an inch in front of the rear axle
I think the idea is to remove the water weight so that you can be strategic in weight placement.
I have pre-cut axle holes in my wood.how do I do a 3-wheeler???
Anonymous,
When they say “Make a three-wheeler”, they are referring to the practice of raising or bending up one of the front wheels so only three wheels make contact with the track. In theory this reduces friction thus making the car go faster.
Again, as with most of these speed tips, check your Pack and District rules first to see if these practices are allowed! It would be a shame to have a scout’s car get disqualified at check-in/registration because of an illegal procedure learned from this website!
It’s allowed when I race but I wouldn’t suggest it because it didn’t work for me.
for the guy who asked how to make a three wheeler. it is easy. you use a drill to make one hole higher. 🙂
Extending the wheelbase may not be allowed. Check the rules from your Pack and District first!
Scouts and parents, please remember to check your own Pack’s rules about the wheels. Our pack requires all four wheels to touch the track which is also true at the District level of racing. I would hate to see someone put so much time into there cars and design the wheels with just three touching the track, only to be told they have to fix the fourth wheel before race time. Making adjustments to the wheel just before race time is risky.
To add weight at the back of the car cut an hole roughly the size of an quarter and put as many quarters as you need to get to the weight limit.(Do not pass the limit of weight I your pack for example in pack 422 the weight limit is 5 ounces in 2014)
we have a derby on saturday so good luck to me and good luck to all.
good luck
you want the car to be heavy but you also want NO edges, all curves and a thin body
Thaaaaaaaanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks you awnsered all my questions but one. If I want to put candy on my car can I?
I’ve heard that worrying about aerodynamics is a waste of time with such a small car and short track… The real key is to reduce as much friction as possible.
What’s a good aerodynamic design bedsides the wedge? Maybe something like a Aston Martin design or something.what would be a good design??
I think that these tips are great, but my troop does pinewood derby races for our troop to race in so I don’t see why are troops can’t race.
i will(might)win thanks allot
You really need to make a video of how to make a really good pinewood derby car i’m a kid .
Wow Thancks I can use this next year hope I win!
I found that if you put most of you weight at the back half, that you car seems to pop up in front and come off the track. I like my weight just front of center line, works best that I have seen.
I made a car that got second place but next year I’m going to use one of your ideas.
Lol
awsome
Great advice
Check your local rules. Changing the wheel base may not be allowed.
helpful info
I’ve been bad at pinewood derby and now that I looked at this website I think I might make a better pinewood derby car.
how do u make a cool pinewood derby car
I have a race in 2 weeks and I love your advice.
it is awesome
thanks for all the information. (:
that’s cool thanks
I made a car with a long flat bottom it was real good
I have a derby race soon I hope I win 1rst 2nd or 3rd.
Good luck!
i made my car real flat in the front and the car still went slow i keep on getting second place in the competition
why do you drill holes
gib,
holes may be drilled to insert the axles or to insert weight into the car body. I hope this answers your question.
If you’re going to drill your own holes for the axles, what is the surest way to drill them straight?
Drill press and a machinist square to keep it square with the base.
what kind of weight did u use?
I used weight distribution and made sure the weight was distributed amongst all tires. plus the wieght was put on the bottom by drilling into the car and putting the weight into the car. The car won first in all races. It was not designed with a wedge shape. It was more of a pyramid shape with the top point cut off. so much for the three wheel trick eh?
You might consider making the same car with just the three wheel contact. Do everything else exactly the same, as best you can, and compare them to each other. If your results are like mine, you should blow your first car away with the second. Keep improving your design for next year.
He is using equal weight on all tires and you are stacking on rear and making a front one lift. Would be a good race to see- I think the rear weight would fall behind initially then pull ahead at end
I have a derby race next week! So hope this works thanks for the tips man.
I make it on a piece of paper first
I’m going to make a tear drop shaped car with three wheels, but should I put the two wheels on the front or the back?
I’m making a f1 race car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I once got 4th place
I once got first
I Ditto!
AWESOME!!!
Somebody cheated last year in my pack !!!!!!!!!!
Good advice. Clamping the axles in a drill press makes it easier. I use 400 grip sand paper to polish the axles after I use a small very fine file to remove the clamp marks near the head.
hey yeah right I helped with as much as I could did you think my dad let me use his electric saw
Great advice thanks 😉
I didn’t know that you shouldn’t point the nose, know about the three wheel trick, or that coins work as weights.
The best thing about derby cars is keeping them to show your kids some day. Winning only means having to go somewhere else and spend another night standing around a racetrack.
How do you make a pine wood derby car fast
nice advice.
just about to do a derby race
I learned last year when the boys’ cars were too light that pennies work as last minute weights.(It looked cute too since their themes on the cars were pirate ships.)
The reason the “three wheel trick” works (assuming your car still goes straight etc) is that one less wheel is using up potential energy being converted to rotational energy, which leaves more potential energy for kinetic (speed) energy.
The three wheel thing is not allowed in our pack. All wheels have to touch. Also, there are rules about how far apart the wheel bases can be. Make sure you check your pack’s rules.
The only kids that win are the ones who have a parent that spends endless hours engineering the car just right. There are no rules or governance involved with the process. It’s basically teaching kids how to cheat by having a parent do all the work. I refuse so my kid loses every year. Boy scouts is outdated and horribly organized.
I agree. I give limited help, for my child is too young to wield power tools and saws in 2nd grad.
I will only cut the design. The boys do the rest of the work. I feel there needs to be a rule about best in show being limited to “work done by boys only, except design cut”
C,mon guy. Do you really expect a tiger to know how to smooth axels and use power drills?
I totally agree with three year champ
that is so not true!
YEP
How did they get the shark fin too be that tall?Isn’t there a height rule?
Additional wood can be used to add height. Most districts don’t have a height regulation, just width for the track and weight
Buckethead,
You may be right about height restrictions if your Pack or District uses electronic timing devices. It is always a good idea to ask first about size limits before adding anything that might increase the overall size of the basic block in a pinewood derby kit.
I’m a eagle scout and i used the body style of a nascar and put the weights on the bottom of the car and I’ve won first over 6 years know
I had better success putting the weight in the front, kinda did the same as the 3 wheeler, it took so much weight off the rear that the friction wasn’t as much of a factor. Also see if you can get a tire dealer to donate stick on wheel weights. They come in 1/4 ounce segments, Would love to cut the thickness of the front wheels down, but I was warned ….
I really hope these speed tricks work because last year I forgot my car and had to use a batman car and got last place and I’m not forgetting my car this year.
That didn’t really help me. 😐
I got a perfect design for my pinewood derby car
Thanks for the info
I know the secrets before 🙂
Put weights on car
small wheels on front or back?
three wheel + the wedge = FAST
Make sure you know your local rules. We moved the wheels back and won our first year. The 6 year reigning champ did not like it so his “committee” made sure that altering the wheel base was not allowed…without telling anyone else so the next year we were DQ’d. Won for best paint job however!
I am not sure I understand our council does not allow this:
Extend the Wheelbase: The front and rear wheels should be as far apart as possible.
How is it listed here?
Wrong about the 3 wheels being less friction. I’m surprised that got published, it’s a myth. The friction is just transferred to the other wheels. But you do get more rotational energy and thus a faster car.
Wrong, less contact equals less friction so it does get reduced. Weight distribution gets spread out but not friction.
Sorry, but I think speedthree has it right. Friction is a function of the coefficient of friction, and the normal force between the surfaces. The surface area does not factor. However, the wheels have a rotational inertia that needs to be overcome, so having one less wheel to force to rotate will result in increaded acceleration.
The “Avoid designs with a pointed nose” guideline directly contradicts a different BSA publication. That tells you to make a narrow area in the center of the car (nearly pointed) so that the race starter has to “work” to get the car placed in the center of the track, so that the wheels are touching the sides of the track.
I saw one car with a notch in the front where the starting pin rested. The result was the body of the car being a bit ahead of all the others. It wasn’t against the pack’s rules, and the car didn’t win anyway…but it was sort of clever.
what happens if i bake it after cutting it?
baking it will reduce your un-weighted mass so you can better place weight where you want it. doing so after cutting risks warping the car body. bake before cutting, especially with thin or flat shapes.
Those must have been made by the pros
which wheel should I lift, the front or the rear?
rear wheels
One thought- since its better to raise a rear wheel on a 3 wheeler, how does that theory work with the other “go-to” of placing weight at the rear? I would think there would be tendency for the opposite front wheel to pull up off the track.
Usually a front wheel, since you’re placing the weight in the back, it could wobble back and forth if you lift a rear wheel.
Always raise one of the front wheels
Raise a front wheel and use dry graphite. I would smoke everyone, every year. Also, take fine grit sand paper and the inside of the nail head, there are usually small burs and imperfections that add friction.
Raising a back wheel would be disastrous. You only want one wheel fighting for direction, as it will limit the time the inside track bangs the wheels. Lifting a rear wheel wouldn’t solve it the same way.
nice
It would be nice if there was a official rule book and measuring box.
awesome!!! trying it out now
In certain races, there are.
Great info… but a good piece of pine wood, round wheels, and straight axles never hurt either… have fun
yeah in my pack you have to use the given wheels
Your pack committee should establish an adult race. This lets the dads satisfy their personal competitive urges and lets the boys be boys. I always won with a simple wedge and the three wheel trick.
yea, i usually make a wedge, always three-wheeled and axles sanded with at least 6-8 different sandpapers, each a different roughness. what really helps is cutting the sides off about 1/8 inch everywhere except where the wheel and axle are. this prevents the wheel from ever rubbing against the car, significantly reducing friction.
In my pack, we’re doing that this year.
Cool! But how the heck do you make that shark fin car? It looks awesome!
My son’s shark fin car won first place in design and third in speed! I just purchased a $2.00 design template on-line.
awsome
where do you put the gas on the wheels
My first car always got last,and my second car got 2 and 1. My last car got 3 and 4 and 2. Awesome!!!!!
Awesome! I’m a Boy Scout and you should put the weights on the bottom of the car
this is going to help so much
it is ok.
Thx but I have the book
Back when I was a cub scout, I got 4th, then 3rd, and then 2nd (against everyone) the three years I raced. I used the three wheel trick.
Nice!!
WOW!!!!!!!!
only if there were a ruler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awwww 🙁 I just became a Boy Scout and now i can’t do pinewood derby anymore.
I got 2nd place in my pinewood derby
Interesting
Cool! I’ll try that ALL out!
COOL
Really helpful, thanks
I GOT FIRST PLACE 4 TIMES BECAUSE I PUT GAS ON MY WHEELS.YOU SHOULD TRY THAT IT REALLY HELPS!!!!!!!!
Did you put gasoline on your wheels? Why does that make your car goes faster? Its an interesting idea.
it works
Three wheeler is illegal.
The rules should clearly state that the car must have 4 tires, but all 4 do not need to be in contact with track.
No its not
Great! Everybody should try it. But I think you should design you own.
Is this 100% ture?
Amazing tips-Fantastic! Just fantastic! One more word… Fantastic!
Your good.
Wow! Nice tips! This is some good stuf!
My son and I both enter cars and we go for the coolest design awards. Every year he comes in second or third for speed too. It’s about having fun building.
The web page should have more tips:(
Spoilers and Aerodynamic profiles only take affect if traveling 50 mph. Most derby cars will never reach this. My Block car always placed first.
For the fastest car, maximize weight. Also make sure that your well lubricated with graphite.
In my race some of the cars got up to 158 mph so if your packs cars are going 50 mph your packs cars must be really slow.
asome
I can’t wait to try
“Awesome”
Wow!!!
I won two Years in a row 1st overall by putting weight on rear and making car a heavy as possible don nail wheels in all the way.
so cool !!!!
What are the dimensions?
Does spoiler help?
awesome
this year was my sons first race. He designed the car. I don’t have a saw at home so I took it to work and cut it out. My son did everything else but paint. He wanted it to be chameleon green to gold, he put on the primer and base coat. I painted the green with a airbrush. I would say that he did 90% of the work which was my goal. It is his event after all. I will work on getting a band saw and drill press so he can do all the work himself next year.
I helped (And I mean HELPED) my grandson build his first pine box derby car. Much to my disappointment, the “contest” was which adult could build the best car.
We bought the wedge at the scout shop, drilled the 3 holes on the side for weight, the kids did the sanding. We did nothing to the axles or wheels, did not use graphite, and still had the fastest and third fastest cars in the meet – with about 64 cars competing, including adults. My Webelo has already started planning for next year, shopping for axles, etc. My Tiger (who took second overall) intends to build a fire truck next year.
Is it against the rules to cover your axles so they don’t show
he didn’t cover them. He just carved around them.
These look helpful.
First rule should be: Your child physically makes at least 95-100% of the car. These tips (such as weight in the back and such) serve to help junior finish the race in a respectable time. And winning is also great, but if junior watched while ‘Dad’ smoothed the axles, graphited the wheels, chose the aerodynamic design, etc., then the point of this event is lost! It is why I love the rain gutter regatta, the boys win based on their performance. Keep the boys as the focus, not your own pride. And use these tips to help guide a winning experience.
I agree, the boy should do the majority of the work. One year our pack had a derby clinic and the boys and their parents built their cars together. It was great fun but it would be difficult to do if the pack had a lot of kids and there was not a meeting place with the right tools. Some people are also secretive which is okay if everything is kept legal. The raingutter regatta is fun and so is the space derby. Great comments on your part keep it up. Derby Goof.
i’ve gotten 8th on my first try and 1st on my second try
1st! that is awesome!
is it better to put the weights in the back of the car or underneath this is our first time making the car and trying to figure this out. and how are the weight held in??
Thanks
Ifound that putting your weights on top in the rear of the car.We run a flat car put our weights in the rear put some putty on and then we sand the car the way we want it to look. The hard part is making sure when its sanded that when you add the tires,axles and paint the car that its not over 5 oz.
yes.
I need to know how much graphite to put in my wheels. I have a pretty aerodynamic design, but there is a small ridge at the top. All my weight is dremeled in throughout the car or balance, and I have my weights put in, but I still need to know how much graphite to pull the ace off, I’m a webelo 2, so this is my last year. Oh my car is already weighed so that could help with how much graphite I have to put on.
dont use to mutch graghite. Last year we put graghite in at least once a day. my boys took 1st and 2nd my wife and I took 1st and 2nd in the adult class. my boys had there regionals a month later and they were puting graghite in every day some times twice a day and they were slower at regionals. Idont know if thats why.
Can you still bake it if you just did the initial cut? Not painted yet. I just forgot to bake when it was just a block !! ??
Yes you can
Be careful if you decide to bake the block. Some of the kits are not using kiln dried wood and you may end up with a warped gooey block if you try to bake the block. Weight placement, polished derby axles an alignment are much more important than shaving off the miniscule amount for weight by baking the block. My son has never baked one of his blocks and he holds our track record on a 42′ aluminum best track of 2.914 seconds. He built the car and made sure it was properly aligned. Don’t bake the block.
I’ve never heard of baking the block…
Grand Champion, my sons first year. Someone helped us cut the car, we did everything else. It was very little skill on our part because we really did not know what we were doing. Got the wheels right, the car was fast. I loved the look on my husbands face, when we brought home the trophy !
Making the yellow car on the cover of speed secrets
CAUTION!!!!
Check your local race rules. Many of the tips given in this book will be ruled illegal. Although they sell this book in the BSA store, it is misleading as to what is allowed at the District race. BEWARE.
your right!
It’s important!
I think alignment is really important its hard to get right. Use a dremel tool to lubricate your wheels. Look it up
Put any added weight as far back on the car as you can.
But not so far back that the front starts lifting off the track. (Should ensure that there is more weight in front of rear wheels than behind.)
Hope to get first from these tips!
Is 5 ounces the weight?
Yes 5 ounces
For standard rules at the regional race is 5 oz. Try not to go over that cause you don’t want to be drilling out weight if you make your car a little to heavy and are able to go to the regional race.
yes
Add several bb’s so the actual weight is 5.1oz. Then on race day break off those bb’s with pliers until the scale switches to 5.0. Then your car will weigh a fraction more than 5oz, like 5.049. Every fraction counts on these digital timed races.
which end of car is better to be front , the one farther or closer from axles, I typically put shorter in the back, was just wandering if it really made a difference?
You want the short end in the rear of your car, and the long nose in front.
Now I’ve also seen scouts, who’ve built Firetrucks, and other larger big rig vechicles
Now those type of vechicles, it is wise to go short up front and longer in the rear
short in front
I could use ALL of these tips. Last year, the best I got was 2nd place.
Second place dude that’s awesome
!
not all
dude i got 2nd place on my first try, no tips
Hey, at least 2 times we broke some of the wood. Ugliest darn car ever, sloppy paint. Well, twice we won against 14 other others in the den. Don’t lose sleep over it, just the basics and focus on the wheels and the weight. We’ve never rounded the car and we’ve beat smooth, woodshop originating vehicles.
1st… HaHa
don’t boast!
That is too cool Brother, I got 1st
Question: What do I use to weigh the car so I know how much weight I can add?
The post office will usually weigh your car if they’re not busy. And most Council offices are offering scales this year.
Scout shops are offering a scale to weigh in on and a free decal through Jan 31st. Great advise there As well.
FOOD SCALES WEIGH BY OUNCES, SEE IF ANYONE YOU KNOW HAS ONE.
last year my axles broke so i got new ones but they didnt fit so i put duck tape over them! it actually worked! i prayed and prayed and prayed!!
Last time, I kept gettn’ 2nd place? Yup I did.
got first and in .01 seconds
.01? really?
I buffed my axles then got it exactly on the weight limit and put duck tape over the bottom to make it smooth then i got 1st place
Cut it in half top and bottom than make the top a wedge got
4th that way
If you have weights in the back will it slow it down?
I think. Look at other sites
No, it will make your car go faster.
Depends on the type of track you race on. Tracks that are one third slope and two thirds flat should use rear weighted cars for best speed results. Tracks that are all slope and no flat should use front weighted cars for best results.
it shouldnt slow ya down on a flat track it will on any other track
no, it makes it go faster.
got third
nice
The 3 wheel trick is illegal in our Council and District. All 4 wheels must touch and roll. Make sure you check your rules before you use some of the tips. There are also rules about the wheelbase, clearance, etc. Just a warning to check your council rules and regs before you build your car so you don’t get disqualified at check in.
awesome!
This actully works
this is my last year doing pine wood derby so this better work
ran my car was raceing i all was lost but next year i will win the race
If I do a golf ball design and drill holes in it will it slow it down, do I just paint the holes.
my car got radard to see how fast it was and it got 48.9 mph
what is the secret to making long distance derby cars?
I did a derby with my 4 kids for the first time. They didn’t have the fastest cars but they were made by THEM. The only thing my hubby did was cut them out. The kids designed, sanded, painted and helped place the wheels. I was proud of them for working so hard. With these tips and seeing different cars at the race, next time they might do better. We had a lot of fun!
still don’t get it.
it is very cool though it looks hard to make
my son got 2nd place, and the trick was to create a wedge with a block of wood at the back, and LOTS of graphite on the wheels. an older scout beat him once, but other than that, he was undefeated.
I got 6th place.glue the axel.
Great tips guy all across the board ! Where is the best place to drill hole into the bottom of car ? And where is the best place to set any additional weights ? Thx
If you drill holes in the bottom to reduce weight, will it slow the car down if they are not filled?
drilling holes will not slow the car down. but if u do want to fill in hole or fix a spot without adding weight I have found that dry wall plaster works great. easy to use sandable and comes in small tubes in hardware dept $2.50? And u can use it to cover up small dents scratches and nail holes in your wall befor u paint. so with kids being kids it wont go to waste.
My boys need to remove more weight, the tip book mentions drilling holes underneath near the front, but does not mention filling them with anything. Will the car go slower if there are holes in the bottom? We need to remove front weight to add it to the back.
Lots of great ideas out there. If your going to make modifications to the car make sure your son is the one doing it. My 7 and 10 year old both did all the work on there cars to include removing bers and polishing the axels. Its not dificult. They learned alot and had fun doing it. Show them how on one and let them do the others. They enjoyed there first place den wins and 2nd and 3rd wins in the overals.
Eh, aerodynamics don’t matter. Graphite and the axles are what matter.
i agree only the axles and wheels matter
a dad in my pack made a smoken fast block
I agree. But if the race comes down to 1-1000 of a second it might help?
I recommend to cut a notch under the front of the car
i would recomend to cut a a slot under the car in front so when the pin go down the car has been movin the whole time
Some people are whiners.our rules are what comes in the box.do check to make sure your pack has no additional rules.then do any tricks you can to make your car faster.there is nothing wrong with a winning legal car.do remember parents its about children. After setting your axles (nails) careful turn car upside down put a little glue on the end of the pointed part of the nails. Seen them come off on race day not a good think to happen
how do i make a derby car go faster any ideas thanks!
make the car as heavy as possible
My son and I had great experiences building his cars together; he doing the labor and me in a supervisory role. In addition to the tips already listed, don’t forget that a good, smooth paint job can make a difference too. Light sanding between coats and finishing with a clear coat will help your speed and ensure you car looks good on the shelf in your room for years to come. Have fun!
i got first in the pack thanks to this
just won
what should i use to enhance my wheels?
In the BSA kit the axles(nails) have ridges in them, is it okay to sand them off?
cool tricks they realy work
In our Pack we do not allow three wheels on the track – it is a 4 wheel event. We also allow the polishing of the nails (axles) and you should definitely remove the burrs on the heads – this is what slows the car down right out of the box.
you want your car to work correctly, than yes you should
if you want a fast car, you should
does trail to eagle cover first class
yes
There are all kinds of web sites that tell you how to file, sand & polish the axels but we were told by Pack Leader and race officials absolutely not. We were to remove parts from box and to use as is to ensure even and fair races.
yes it is ok
NO if you sand your axels it can go in in even and slow your car down you should probably just get a new set of Axel’s they sell them as far as I know of at micheals and BSA stores
Yes, sand/file off the ridges. Use a triangle file to round or bevel the hub as to not rub on the wheel. The axle should be wet sanded starting with at least 300 and progress up to 2000 wet sand. The shinier the better.
Be sure to check your District’s rules before assuming these modifications are permitted. In our district, we must use only the materials in the derby kit (i.e., no precut cars from the hobby shop, non-BSA wheels and axels, liquid lubricant, etc.). Further, changing the wheelbase in many districts is a big no-no.
Terrific book!! I like the fact that the author keeps telling you to check your local pack rules. My son has about worn this book out!!! Great book! Thanks for helping many boys dreams come true.
Another speed tip: Use the power/cordless drill to polish off those burrs in the axle (nails) to gain more speed. Insert the nail tip in the power drill, tear off a 1/4″-1/2″ strip of 150 grit sandpaper, wrap it around the nail and polish that burr off first. Then use 320-400 grit after that, then work your way up. I go as far as 1000-1500 wet/dry paper to get is super smooth. Less friction=SPEED 🙂
use the flakes of graphite and spin your weals
I am helping my son build his first derby car. The race is Jan. 28th. I have a question. The wood block comes with the axle slots in it already. Do you just hammer in the axles and they stay in the slots without popping off the bottom? Seems like they would come off the car a lot… Any advice would be great!
Correct, it will not go out the bottom of the slot. Also, don’t use a hammer because you could bend the nail. Line it up well and push it right in with your finger or with another small piece of wood…Press fit
Ok, thanks. We are baking the block today and are going to band saw out the car design. I will make sure we do not hammer the axles in.
it depends the way you want it.But I think maybe if you pound them in, it would keep the wheels on better. But I can’t guarantee the car will go fast.
Good luck!
Sometimes it helps to put a wheelguard over the axles. You could put a dab of glue near the axles just in case. Do NOT get glue on the wheels. I have a friend that put glue on his axles, and overnight the glue seeped onto one of the wheels. !t didn’t spin at all. Be careful and have fun!
You can leave them just hammered in, but Ive been racing a wile and i recamend you super glue the bottom.
glue them!
Boys life is great!!
what is the scientific reason to make it the heaviest so its the fastest
Larger mass means larger momentum. The larger the momentum, the longer it takes the frictional force to reduce the speed to 0.
About half the tips in this article are illegal in our derby and would not past inspection. Glue on the axel, 3 wheels touching, Extending the wheel base are all against the rules, so make sure you know your rules before doing any of these tips.
Good point!!! In our pack it is legal to have three wheels touching and an extended wheel base. However; when in doubt check with your individual pack, district rules.
Can anyone tell me the purpose of baking the block and making it lighter?
Drying the wood eliminates extra weight from the block of wood. The only weight you want to add to the car is some type of metal. There are different densities from different materials you can use. The idea is to have all your weight as low as possible, (center of gravity). It gets pretty scientific after that. Only doing 1 little thing wont make much difference in the speed of the car. But, if you do 10 little things, that is the difference maker. Good Luck!
Nice tip on the “10 little things” – we’re talking mini-seconds with each “little thing” but they do add up..
The purpose is to extract as much moisture as you can from the wood. Moisture is weight, and since you will be adding weight with painting, why not cancel some of that weight by eliminating water that serves no purpose from the wood.
To avoid warping the block from the oven drying process (or risking the possibility), do you think drilling holes in the body to take out weight will do the same thing? If holes are OK, where are the best areas to drill?
Supposedly to make the block lighter to add more non wood weight. The problem with baking the block is that it will more than likely cause the block to shrink a little amd warp. This will leave you with a block that is not square!! The block would have to be vertically grained to minimize this. Most blocks are slab grained with the grain not running at 90 degree angles from top to bottom.Don’t bake the block!!!
To add to this, if you bake Revell brand blocks that are made in China, sap will begin to ooze out. Yep, they aren’t using kiln dried wood so you wind up with a block that is useless because your car will weigh more on one side or the other.
Here is the real secret: Let the boy make the car with your help. Don’t do it for him. Teach him that all ideas are valid. As adults we want to win, as youth, they just want to have fun. Enjoy your derby even if you don’t use all these speed secrets.
Agreed!!!!!
True… But its disheartening when your 5yr old can’t even place or have a chance against a car build by a father who is an engineer…
I was the youngest scout to make it to the finals and I’m confident that with this help I’ll get 1st place for sure!;)
oops, typo alert “youngest scout LAST YEAR to make it to the finals”.
Our pack is FULL of people that say ‘I don’t like that’ or ‘that’s not fair’ What is fair is that you follow your rules and spend time with your boys making and creating the car. My boys design the car, paint the car and I help it GO (faster) I use as many tips as i can get and pass it on to them so they will do them later
Derby rules for us is to use BSA derby axels.
I love this! I will try it!
For Pinewood purposes, the nails in your kit are called “axles.” Most packs cannot use real “axels” on thier cars. But those look COMPLETELY different than nails.
Remember, do your best on your wheels and axles, but it is the wheel alignemnt that wins the race. The Scout stores have some great tools for building a great car and getting a good alignment.
I agree about wheel alignment also proper weight placement. My son who placed first overall in his pack and district events two years in a row spent a lot of time with his alignment and weightt placement. The average time for his car in 2011 on a 42′ aluminum best track were 2.9500 seconds. His best time was 2.9014! Weight placement and alignment are the best tips for any body. It was a shame that he was too ill to race in our region race. Nice chatting with you.
what about the wheels?
I don’t like the idea about raising one wheel to cause less friction…that doesn’t sound fair. Not to mention it is a four wheel vehicle….no where does it say you can use 3 wheels that I have seen.
It’s a simple trick and doesn’t cost a dime. You still have four wheels on the car. Unless your rules prohibit it, you’ll probably end up with at least half the cars with 3 wheels touching the track just by sheer accident. You’d be suprised how many cars show up with a raised wheel without it intentionally being built that way. It is “do your best”…..right?
I don’t like the idea about raising one wheel to cause less friction…that doesn’t fair. Not to mention it is a four wheel vehicle….no where does it say you can use 3 wheels that I have seen.
none of the rules say you can’t
Before you build, ask. Nothing sucks the life out of a scout or the derby committee more than a car that does not meet the event specifications. While all of those ideas sound GREAT, and they probably work, some of them would violate the rules of your pack. district/ council derby.
so this is still for the boys right?? I mean most 7-13 yo boys can do this alone. Just make sure after you build it give HIM credit so he gets his awards.
imade graphite ports as the car moves down the track it puts more onthe wheels.
really? did it work? how did you do it?
2first places!
cool info
Im trying it right now!
I think this is real is cool because of the ideas
Reuse your already polished axles.
I reccomand using nails instead of axles. We had a practice race 1 week ago and the people who use nails are more likely to win. I used axles but I lost. Hope I helped. Peace out :))
Our Pack 131 isnt allowed to use axles.
That is weird we are aloud
same here, no axles
I am at the wheel installation stage. I’m concerned that the wheels will slide from the outer end of the axle and scrape the body. Is there anything I can do to keep them in place?
This is tricky. Some people advocate angling the nails or axles in the rear slots one degree backward to supposedly help prevent the wheels from making contact with the body. I think this would actually slow the car down because you would have the wheels working against each other when the car rolls down the track. The best and safest way to minimize wheel contact is proper wheel alighnment. Also, pack graphite on the car’s body where the wheels make contact. Washers are not acceptible.
man this helped alot my indy car has never lost
yummy
WOW this stuff really helped i scored 1st place and went to the nationals:)but there I got 2nd place out of 10! 🙁
2 bad
I got second in the nationals. This comments are grate!
Congrats at least you went to the nationals
I got 4th place in my pack in my 1st year
😉
🙂
I like to mold match the wheels. look for the numbers inside
the wheel.
does the front weight thing work?
No, it is just the opposite; the farther back the weight is the longer the car has to pick up speed. You want the weight back far enough to where the center of gravity is about 1.25″ ahead of the real axle; being too far back can make the front too light and jump off of the track = broken car/axles. Good luck!
Do not make a pickup truck mine was very slow
Whatever you do do not make a pickup truck ans a PW car it goes really slow but i won the best in show for mine that had a bed with fence posts in it and a tool box (the fence posts where weights)it was awesome but it didnt go fast.
it is a really AWSOME game.Translation:I LOVE IT!
i usually shape my car like a skateboard. but ive seen lots of cool cars like hersheys bars. sometimes i wish those ones where made out of real chocolate.
i guess this website is cool. The next race i get into is gonna be a mario cart. Whos with me peoples!
i havent one one quite yet but ive only done 2 races
not me
ditto
these secrets are awesome!!!
hate this
WHY YA HATIN’
nice good thinking
you should sand the axles.the key to winning is to make your car low and short. Also, make the back have a little more weight than the front.
I was winning heat after heat, and then in the gold medal race my car was going so fast it went airborne and flipped over, took out 2 other cars and some fans watching along the side and finally crashed into my cubmaster and knocked him out cold.
We had multiple injuries at our PW derby. One racers wheels flew off and struck spectators in the stands sending them to the emergency room. The driver of the racer only suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Only helps a little bit.
Used the ultimate plans for our first derby car. Scored 4th place out of 28 cars. the difference between 1st and 4th was .03 seconds!I still can add 2 grans to car since the max was 142 grans and our car was 140.only change to design was couldnt use quick start paper clip trick. we are off to district in 3 weeks.
Thats AMAZING!!!
i shaped mine like mario kart but wheel and axel fell off hit the cubmaster, den leader and a person in the stands =0
What is kwick start trick?
idea for car. battery.
Ideas for a car. Staple remover. Stapler. Crayon. Hedgehog. Ruler.
well i think this is cool except for one thing… around here in minnesota it’s cold and it’s snowing so i can’t go outside toget that booklet so right now i’m trying to find things for my pinewood derby car like some attachment that would make it better but i’m having trouble 😥 please help! P.S i think all i need is some tips like gresse or something for the wheels ofmy car so it can go faster, of course if it’s allowed.
To Tiger Tank, what did you do with your wheel alignment to make it different than it is? I am building a tank and would like the advice. Thanks!
i agree with riggo. aerodynamics has no effect on the car design. my dad did a test with a block and a totally aerodynamic car, and they both finished at the same time
If you have a perfectly flat car, be very careful. If you don’t position the weights just right, and too little weight, the car flies off the track. Be Prepared.
first car, kina hard.
i agree with durbykid. first cars are really hard. this is only my second time trying the derby. my dad wont work on it just because he doesnt no the date when its gonna be!!!
When you open the box of the car it has a set of rules and instructions. Read them it says to use the original axle slots. Extended wheel base is against the rules!!! You must use the original axle slots. You can straighten the slots. Only dry lubricant is allowed no oil. Axles can be polished only and the burrs removed and the wheels can have the spot that is from the mold sanded smooth.
some car plans call for the extended wheel base, we went to the district and they removed the rule stating that you have to use the original axel slots.
Too bad, I guess it depends on where you live. In our area, all of the winning cars had extended wheel bases. I guess it is up to the local rules.
My son won his pack races using the speed tips in Mr. Meade’s book. After the races, our pack leader stated that our extended wheelbase “might not” pass district inspections. He also stated the axles must be viewable. Neither the pack or disctrict rules mention anything about using original axles slots or that the axles must be viewable. The wheels and axles must not be modified, but there is no mention of the axle slots themselves. We don’t want to modify our car if it ends up being allowed, nor do we want to be at a disadvantage if it is allowed. Anyone else run into this type thing? Thoughts? Ideas?
~ for clarification ~
Exact local rules:
Car Specifications:
I. Width .. not greater than 2 3/4 inches.
2. Length .. not longer than 7 inches.
3. Gross weight .. shall not exceed 5 ounces.
4. Width between wheels .. 1 3/4 inches
5. Clearance .. no less than 3/8 inch.
6. Height .. 3 inches max.
Car Rules:
I. Wheel bearings, washers, bushings and springs are prohibited.
2. Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.
3. The car shall be freewheeling with no starting device(s).
4. Only dry type lubricant is permitted. (Graphite).
5. Wheels and axles may not be altered. Wheels and axles may be polished to remove imperfections. No changes to the size or shape of the wheels and axles are permitted.
6. The entire car must line up behind the starting post.
7. Weights must be fastened securely and paint shall be dry.
Race Rules:
I. Cars shall be inspected, and then weighed on the official race scale. Cars will be checked to assure that none of the construction limitations have been exceeded.
Ask you pack if there are specific rules they abide by. Same goes with the district or council. My pack had a set of rules we used and removed the originals out of the boxes before handing them out. Any car that did not follow the rules was disqualified. It was unfortunate but it was stated before the cars were pasted out to the boys.
Today and yesterday I worked on a pinewood derby car, just for fun. I know it is agenced the rules to use oil but I dont have a derby coming up so I gess It’s ok
I did not win a trophy but i won a medal
I one a metal to. I got secend place in my pack. Their is three guys in my den.
🙂
its true that if you put weight in the back you get more overall speed, but if you put it in the front, you get a big head start
I’ve never heard about the head start thing. Putting weight in the front should have no effect on the start unless the weight causes your car to drop dramatically after the pin goes down. Any advantage gained there would be lost to the inherent instability of the car. The weight in the rear is the way to go. Gravity is the only engine. The higher the weight (furthest back on the car), the more it is going to drop. I showed my son this by dropping a pencil on an slight ramp from different heights. The further up it dropped from, the further it rolled.
If your track gets steeper after the starting post a front weighted car will accelerate faster that a rear weighted car (because the weight is over the steeper section sooner) but this advantage may be lost if the car hits the center guide (it will have more trouble realigning if it is weighted in front)
Not necessarily!! My son has won multiple races and he has never had any car with the weight in the front beat him from the start or the finish. It is weird and seems to go against logic but any successful derby racer will tell you to place the majority of the weight in the rear of the car.
Is this all true? I have a pine wood derby this weekend and I want to win for both speed and coolness. 🙂
AWESOME!!!!! 🙂
i like this articale
i am going to win this year.I am going to come in first.
nice
I dunno what my design will be… The derby is on Saturday and it’s Tuesday…
I just opened the pinewood derby block for the saturday’s race.
It does not look anything like the ones shown on this website.
hmmmm….do they allow a block shaped car??
yes they do.
Yes, they do allow a block car. We had a boy one time just put paint the block, put the wheels in and he won!!
I won the same way, my wheels said #13 on the insides but it won anyhow. I painted with sisters water kolors. I forgot to build it early and we was in a hurry.
I hope I don’t lose on the 29th.
i totally agree with awesome Man. Every first time Pinewood Derby Racer should have some help.
cool cars
my dad showed me but made me use the tools and do all work myself. Helped alot but I made my own car and learned alot.My dad says that means I won.
Congrats to all of the parents who helped guide the scout through this project. What these guys learn from doing this Derby-win or lose- is monumental! Confidence, persistence, humility, problem-solving, etc. Way to go Scouts! Keep doing your best!
Awesome!!!! We also have Derby Clinics where the boys build their cars together with their dad or mom as a group. Try this with your pack. It is a lot of fun!!
my idea is an iPod
i won 3 gold trophies competing with my friends
wow
I got the 1st place trophy 4 times
please that is almost (and most likely) impossible
shuffles work
wow how (:]
I just started scouts and I need Ideas for my Car because I got it today and I need some Ideas (like I said earlier)so I can win the race. What stinks is that the kit I got barely has anything inside. Can anyone give me Ideas?
did not work
When I was a tiger scout, i got first place.
my friends wheel flew off his car and it hit my face and i was in hospital for 24 hours because i had an axle in my face
i won yesterday!!!!!!
I won yesterday as well. go figure.
this is my first time doing it
I one in a race with my den but the pack did much better then me.
i won three
cool
534543545454
i won once and went to finals but my whell like flew off 🙁
i think it might work,it sounds alright
BLEH I NEVER LIKE LOSING
aerodynamics have absolutely nothing to do with it.
that actually is not true. I lost miserably when I was a WEBLOS 1 and then I changed my design for WEBLOS 2 so there was very little air resistance an won by a long shot.
Aerodynamics are everything in a PWD race. If it’s just a block vs. an almost perfecly flat car, who do you think wins?
My son ran a tank with a turit and gun barrel…the least aerodynamic car in the race….not only did he win, he blew everyone away…i think it was due to axle alignment and graphite lube
aerodynamics have nothing to do with pinewood derby cars it is all friction
aerodynamic and friction helps.
p.s my brother drilled a hole in his Pinewood Derby car and he
won.
i like it
so cool
good idea
I LIKE TO PLAY
put a hole through the middle tward the back! i set the track record 2 years in a row and got first over all 4 years in a row!
(and never even seen the book)
Dwarf: how can I do that? Tell me please…
by practicing it on a track
do you drill through the car from right to left?
Aerodynamics have nothing to do with it. Last year we ran a block that was shaped like a Wii controller. It not only took the pack, it set the track record at District. It was not a 3-wheeler either. Build it how you want it, just make sure the axles are aligned.
I got 2nd place in council by puting lead on the would. One year my dad entered the parents race with a 3 wheeler.
While that may seem to make sense, its not really mechanically logical to say that- “my car wasnt areodynamic and won, therefore aerodynamics dont matter”….many things go into making a fast car, aerodynamics being a very small part, but a part none the less. Since you apparently had very well polished axels and a otherwise fast car, it was enough to overcome any slight advantage of aerodynamics. Thats not to say however, that your car wouldnt have been faster had it been more aerodynamic. Part of the fun of racing a car is in the build, and a basic wedge, though aerodynamic, isnt really that fun to build unless you are going strictly for speed. Its all about having fun!
One year there was a car that looked like a fat pencil on wheels.
Remember to look at your Pack rules. Most do not allow any axel modifications like grooving, lathe turning,or extending the axels. You can use graphite to lubricate the wheels and polish the axels to remove any burrs but that is the extent of it. Anything else is cheating.
this stinks
I agree 100%.
And “that”, means your axels.
To have the most speed, use grafite to do that.
arodinamics
you want the front thin and the rear fat.
I won the derby 2 years in a row for the whole pack and didn’t use a book, but I used a “speed kit”. You can find one at most craft stores.
its easy: me and my dad put graphite on the wheels(classic)and grooved the axils
hey, ive won the pinewood derby 2 years in a row(for my den).This year was the first one that we an overall race for everyone(before it was just bear and webelos).I placed in last in the overall,and one guy went 10 miles faster than mine because of that book.I have in the past two years built a wedge.in the first year I broke the record for fastest time down.i probaly did around 50-100 percent of building the car. in my next comment ill tell you my trick to getting first in your den
Make your car look cool and airodinamic. It has been proven that cool cars go faster!!!!!
Hadn’t tired it
To try and keep our dads from building the cars completely, our Den allows parents/siblings to build and race their own cars in the Derby as well. They are computed in a separate category and aren’t included in any finals but it gives dads a chance to race against each other and do what they want to do and hopefully allows them to let their scout run with their own ideas. Polishing the axels also works for speed.
I can already see that shining 1st place trophy
i already got that 1st place trophy
i race next week. i cant wait.my number is # 18.
is that a good number?
no # 2 is always the best
#18
If you can find out how you shuld make 2 or more cars, I would like that
making holes in your car can let air flow out the end and make your car go faster
this stinks they only tell you how to BUILD IT!!!!!!!!
3 wheels touching the ground only makes it faster slightly
My pinewood derby design was modeled after the German Bobsleds, and has won four years in a row.
My sons races tomorrow am and my husband is out of town! Do I lubricate the axels tonight or before the race in the morning?
before the race!
I dont have one yet[:
I LIKE THIS.
Next year I`m going to make a star wars car.The thing is that I always rub a pencil on the inside of my cars to make them go very fast
I like the secrets of pinewood derbys
there is a car in my pack that cheats. it is made of putty and has no pinewood
last year[2009]i got to the finals
3 best in pack
nice your breaking the rules
these aren’t cheating. they are physics and smarts.
I Love Fast THINGS.
me too i,m in awana and we have the awana grand prix and i have won something every year except for 1st and i want to win 1st with the fastest car so that’s why i got on here i cant wait thank you
We purchased the speed book and used most, if not all, of the tips in the book. After 2 years of placing 2nd (in one year by .006 seconds) – my son’s car came in first by .003 seconds. So, without the speed tips – we would have been in 2nd again. The great thing is that he is able to do the work all himself with my guidance.
I just had the pinewood derby. I would have done great with that
it is great
How many designs are there created so far in the U.S.?
Your suggestions violate the rules in our area which state you must use the contents given to you in the box. You can add weights but cannot change the axle positions or widen the position of the wheels or use a wooden dowel or solid axles. Please check with your local Den. I think out Den is in error but they refuse to change.
I know it is frustrating but the pack can set it’s rules for the race. Our pack in Ohio has the same rules. You have to use the grooves for the axels and axels provided in the kit. Basically all the speed secrets are out.
cool website
well im in webelos 1 and i got to see who wins
well doing a pine wood derby car is fun
most boys cheated!
Yeah allmost every parent has this ego thing with the pinewood derby. One parent said “So I can build it and he can sand it? Why can’t I do the Whole thing?
We bought your book after we cut out the cars and didn’t have an areodynamic car at all. After reading through the book we did all of the wheel modifications and all of the axel modifications for the ultimate car, including grooving the axils.The car was heavy because we didn’t hardly cut out any wood, it was a coupe type car.Very little weight needed to be added to the back to be 5 oz. The car came in first place over 40 other cars, alot of them wedge type that looked very fast. So thank you for the book and I would pay close attention to the axel, wheel, lubrication sections.
I guess so
i am geting ready for a pinewood derby. what number do you think i should be?
number 8
#3 or #5
cool
you should cut your car into a “boat shape” (cut into the bottom of it). It’ll save you fractions of a second.
I can’t wait until the race on Saturday!!!!!! It is my first year racing. Do you have any tips?? I am going to win!!
Tiger Cub dad here…not mechanically gifted. rounded the axles (took off burrs), rounded wheels put some tungsten weight in the back, graphite…eyeballed the alignment, son did ton of the work and worked together each step of the way. I was just hoping that he would compete. To my astonishment, he did end up winning his pack. Craziest thing I have ever seen. Districts are 3/21/10, I thought it would be funny to see how far it could go. I think we will go just to see.
I never went for speed I always go for most original because it is easier than speed.
Who says that plain looking “fast” designs can’t be crafted well and be both fast and “cool” looking?
I made a bananna car, and one first place! it was very surprising.
Are model rocket engines legal if the car still weighs under 5oz ?
good question
No sorry the only propolsion you can use is gravity.
tip for you:dont have your car primered and painted like a real car i did that and i only won a participant ribbon
beat up your car and it will win 8 races i did
how do you make it go 759mph
how did you make it go 795 per hour
I know the answer to this one. Strap a GE jet engine to it. It will go 759 MPH.
wrong it will breeak the sound berrier and make you death
its all about axle alignment in the end, make a test track ( a piece of drywall works great) raise one end with a 4×4, ensure your car rolls straight and true.
I think its about axels and weight. we had our weight in the front then we put it in the back and won by alot more.
i used this tips and won 100 races in a row
I used the speed secrets last year on my sons car and he won first place in his den, first place over all and first place at the district race. I also wanted to let evcery one know that attention to detail is what wins the race. we did a test with 3 cars without graphite and with graphite, with graphite all three cars picked up 1/10 of a second in time. Graphite makes the differance.
Good luck to all racers and have fun.
how do you add graphite to a car this is my first one
already have speed secrets i am getting design book
A person told me awhile ago if you want to win speed then go with a wedge and get it as close to the weight requirement as possible. That was the best advice ever. All the other ideas are tweaks but, if you put together a boring old wedge you will be top 3 at least, with pretty much no axel polishing, straightening etc. Another great tip for weigh in is thumb tacks. Easy to place and move off or on. The cars right at the weight do the best everytime.
This will depend on how competitive your Pack is. My Pack dads are engineers and builders. If you don’t polish axles, you won’t be a speed contender. Then again, we give certificates for good looking cars, goofy looking cars, and the most obviously boy-made car. It’s about fun.
i cant find stickers
Hobby Lobby and Michaels have the stickers
My son just won for the 2nd year in a row. Kept axle space the same per local rules. used tungsten weights which are much heavier and also used a COG kit to balance the car. We made a Batmobile and even put red LED lights in the front. We also won the most orginal design trophy
Last year I went for looks with a sweet looking 1933 Ford Coupe design;AND WON FIRST PLACE!!!!! This year is my first to go for speed points, and my Dad recommended these tips to me.
Axels are not to be moved from the origional markings. And 3 legged cars are not allowed in our rules.
We had a scientist dad in our Pack whose son is now in Boy Scouts that built their own track at home, and made hundreds of minute changes to their car to develop a very fast car. They did this every year and won every race in the Pack and District. The book is simplistic compared to this guy’s secrets. I just wish he had written a book. But if you’re not in an overly competitive pack with alot of kids, it’s great.
Encourage the parents who win EVERY year to leave some room for everyone else. My son won 2 years in a row. The third year we made a fun, goofy car that was fast enough for him to win a few heats, but not enough to win overall. Its good to let everyone have a taste of victory.
these tips are the best my son one first place when he raced his first year
We came in first the very first year we entered the race. Every year after that we were dead last. I’m going to try the tips.
i am excited to race in my first race this saturday, my car is black and sleek, I hope i do well
These tips are really helpful! But i thought it would be much better instead if putting more weight in the front than the back.
The longer gravity can push your car, the greater the final speed when your car exits into the flat portion of the track. Gravity; placing the weight near the rear of the car will place it high on the track, providing a longer drive or push into the bottom. Simply stated, having the weight at the rear means it has further to drop. Allowing gravity to push your car a little longer than if the weight where at the front.
Very interesting
sure is
last year, I did a banana car and got 1st placee!
anyone ever seen a leggo-themed car?
Re: Legos-themed car: Two years ago my son covered his car in Legos. We cut the car wood block in half, and then covered the car with the thinnest-style Legos. We thought it looked ptryy cool, but it didn’t win any “original design” awards…
No, we did a Wii remote last year. This year we are doing a solar system with planets and a sun
Lego themed cars never win. Make your wheels parallel to each other and make your car aerodynamic; I used those tips and I was in a three way tie for first. p.s. now I’m a boy scout and help out at the races.
by the way use the spell checker by right clicking on the red underlined word. this will make it better for everybody.
We had two Lego cars this year. One looked like a long flat 8×2 board piece with a starwars character driving, the other was a half-pipe with Lego characters skate boarding in it.
thanks alot! I really needed these tips!
I don’t care about winning. I just like cool cars.
why is it called “boy’s life” …im a girl..and i can assure u that im no boy!!!
Why does baking it to make it lighter help you will add weight later anyway.Also it is called “Boy’s Life” because it is for boy scouts.
Baking to make it lighter helps because then you can control where to place the weight you add.
“Baking” it makes it so all of the mosture is completly out of the car.
what is that sopose to mean
nothin
put it in the oven at 250 degrees for 2 hours
it isnt just for boy scouts i’m not one
I find this very helpfull. My son won 1st place in den race YEA!
less friction = more speed. i got 1st because one wheel never touched the track i won every race i beat the best people.
3 wheelers (one wheel raised) are faster, but banned in many districts. Check your district rules first.
also some districts don’t allow baking or lubricating the axels so please check Your district rules before you begin making your car.
TY a lot.
These tips are very useful
some of these rules do not meet the standard rule requirments.
hay i mite trie to go
my sons car won first in pack first in district and first in council finals. his car was undefeated in 2009,after we used secrets or pinewood derby cars..
what are your secrets? Please tell me. I NEED THEM.
Please turkey boy and everyone who reads this
go with a wedge design
my car was a bannana and i got 1st place! (same trophy as the one in the video…)
I really like this idea.;)
This is the best idea ever.I got 2 place in the pinewood derby.
i like this.! ; )
I would go with a more simple design.
Heres a tip to win best sportsmanship trophy;shake everybodys hand that you race against thats how i won best sportsmanship
Great idea, Little Will!
You know, you can’t make believe about good sportsmanship, so I think you must have been smiling and had a twinkle in your eye when you were shaking hands.
Good for you!
I beat my whole pack in 2008. Beat about half of District. But didn’t get any rewards.
I will make mine look like a wing of an airplane
Speed secrets book, Is a good book! Just keep in mind the rules for your pack’s race! (IT’S NO FUN IF YOU CANT RACE!) As some pack’s have strict rules! When it comes to the mod’s you can and cannot do to the wheels and axels and the car body! Desings and patterns book, Has a great way to walk you threw step by step, If your looking to build a cool car! The different car patterns in this book! Will have first time builders say wow!
i like the tank
on my car i extended the weal base and put the weights on the back and i also put grafite on the wheels (THAT MADE THE MOST DIFRENCE)
those are my tips
i just build a awsome award-winner. or i used to. im aboy scout now.=(
I prefer to try to make my cars look cool not just go fast
in my first year in scouts (weblos1), i used similer tips and won against my whole pack!
my son has won 7 races and used these tips
we have been doing these races for two years and these tips have really helped also I love your magazines
Used tips in Speed Secrets book to win 1st & 2nd & 4th at family reunion against 20+ cars. Other adults’ cars, including machinist and doctors, got humbled by the flying wedges. Solid information throughout the book helped me and my 12 yr old son build three cars into winners. Only used stock BSA parts from the scout store and kit. My axles beat ‘pro’ axles because of the speed tips.
Had a great time w/ my son building and racing the cars.
Also SHARED the tips and book w/ everyone. Helped my brother and his son take third.
Shape the inside of the wheel’s hub to a cone. Less friction against the body of the car.
David Meade’s book, Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets, is FANTASTIC!!
It explains the science and how to have fun, learn and do well.
He explains over and over again several key points that many racers ignore.
Check the local rules PRIOR to making radical modifications.
Good Luck!
Wheel and axle preparation is the key to speed followed by low profile car design. I have won first place for 5 years and fastest overall for 4 years and placed in the top 10 in District for 5 years.
Me and my dad just finished the finnal touches for my derby car. I hope these touches will get my car the win.
This stuff will hopefully work for my race.
Me and my dad just did the finishing touches on our winning car (hopefully). The district races are tomorrow at 10:00 AM. We followed the wheel adjustment and the weights in the back idea so I hope this will be the key winning feature. I willget back to Ya’ll tomorrow after the race BYE!
Buy Good Wheels/axles!!!! (A must) The weight a little in the middle, a lot to the rear of the car. Drill new holes for the axles and extend as far as you can. lift the right front wheel up just a little. A little graphite goes a long way. Soak your wheels/axles in grahite untill the race. Use a low profile car design and win the race.
On gPH cars There are almost flat wheels and have wooden axles. Any tips or secrets
Hey tjhawk I have GPH cars. Any tips. Yes i put graphite on and sanded the wheels.
Make sure your Axles are free of burrs. When the Axels are made there are small, extra pieces of metal around the axel head. Have an adult place the axel in a drill and use a small file to remove this excess metal. Not doing so will allow the metal to cut into your wheels and slow the car down. You can use emery sand paper to polish it then. Go a step farther and use steel wool.
pine wood derby is the best
I have never heard of the baking idea.
concentrating the weight(lifting one wheel) will slow you down….spread the friction(all wheels balanced well) and make sure your axels are firm in the wood …no chance to move at all out of perfect 90 degree angles to the body…good paint to cut air resistance(sand and re-paint alot)then go right to the max. weight…use a method that centers easily removed washers(you can bring the weight down a little at a time to qualify at race time..graphite and a little prayer and HAVE FUN!
i won 1st last year
these tips are SWEET!!!!!!!
i love pinewood derby.
thats why i named it eagle wing
the fastest derby car i have made had an air channel underneath the car to lift the car off the track meaning less friction.(i got fourth out of about fourty kids)
Which hot wheel gos faster.
i once was playing as a guest in a pwd and got second place with a friend!
i only got 4th this year
Raising one wheel is cheating and not fair to the other racers.
So race fair and have fun!!
good info
should try it
I like speed tips because its awesome.
I will think about doing these tips
We don’t get to do the pwd once you get past Cub Scouts.
these tip’s will hopefully work
thanks for the secrets,I can not wait to try them
I win 1st place every year
i am SUPER good at pwd ask me for help
speed secrets are cool
check your rules b4 lengthening wheelbase some packs and districts require the
factory axle grooves be maintained as is.
Also some p&d’s require only dry lubrication be used ie:graphite powder,available at most hardware suppliers.
I never took time to read some thing so intresting and fun.
I allready did this it got me !st place!! (try it)
i can never actuly win in a pinwood derby but know i think i have a chance
these tips are good. I thought a pointed car would be faster.
In my son’s pack if you extend the wheelbase, raise a wheel, modify the wheels (other than sanding off the imperfections) you will be disqualified. Before you start building, check your pack’s Pinewood Derby rules. Pay attention to the axles’ straightness and file/sand off imperfections and polish them. Graphite them well. Let the boy do as much work as he can.
I usually get 4th 5th or 7th place but next year I will get 1st 2nd or 3rd place by using these instructions. Iknow it!
i have raced for 3 almost 4 years and my cars have gotten me 4th place, 5th place,and 6th place so if you follow these rules you will have a fast car.
My son used these tip last year and came in 4th. This year the only change is we are buying good wheels and axles.
Here’s a tip: angel your cars whels so only the rim is toutching the track. Angle as
litle as possible not more than 3 degrees.
Warning!!!: make sure the bumps on the rim do not toutch the track it will slow your car down drasticly!
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what kind of wax to use on the finish of the car to make it slick?
Don’t forget to file down and grind smooth the raised burr on the nails too, these create friction and slow down your car.
We’re currently tuning our car for this Saturday’s race
I wish I read this earlyer because my Pinewood Derby race is tonight at 7:00!!!!!!!
I agree with tough
I am very glad I read this
sounds like good stuff. i’ll try it.
I am very bad at makeing fast cars and I hope these tips work
HOT-DOG CARS ROCK!!!! 🙂
MAKE ONE!!!!!
Last year I beat everyone in my school and opposing school and got the GIANT TROPHY!
To many of these races are being won by DAD BUILDT cars. Remember this is for the boys. Dads only help!!!!!!!!
Our council forbids 3-wheelers; I believe most councils do. You can buy axles (nails) in bulk from various on line stores. I believe the car (including axles, wheels etc) needs to be crafted by the cub scout with some help and guidance from an adult (especially when safety is a concern). Buying pre-made cars or professionally modified parts on line defeats the purpose of this exercise and definitely sends the wrong message to your scout and others.
Thank you for sending your tips in. They are very help full. Heres one, Bake your car at 250 degrees for 2 hours.
your cars are the coolest .My pine wood derbyis cool to plese
If you have to take your wheels and axles to a Machine Shop to make them faster then you have forgot the meaning of scout fun the idea is to make it with your son and use the tools that would be found in any garage not a machine shop.
If you buy it over the internet then you still don’t get the point.
those coments are cool
nothing worked
Well said Derby Guy
my brother has past all the ranks in all scouting. he very rarey lost any races all thanks to his pinewood derby secrets. he still has all his cars in a glass boxes. i stink at making fast cars! for some reason i allways win space derby. bye guys! big-d
WHAT HE SAID
It is a little silly to suggest making a car from 20 axles when 4 come in a kit. Buying 5 kits is over the top.
I like the tips and have used most of them with success. However, I strongly disagree with extending the wheelbase. I believe the stock axle position should be mandatory. Not all parents have the ability or the tools to re-locate axle slots.
ABC are selling cars are ready to race right out of the box. Each car is tested on there track. they can’t guarantee that your car will win but it is very fast. These cars are selling fast. What a farce…
thanks for the tips
build a mini pick up my son tryed it and it won 1st place
These are some useful tips
weve been trying to get a better car thanks ill try it when it comes
hey thanks for the tips, i never knew abou the “3” wheeler thing until now and im sure to beat my classmates in physics! thanks again for the advice
Please reconsider some of your tips. My scout used tip #5 – Extend your wheel base. We had to move them at the council race because they were further apart than permitted. As a result the wheel wasn’t very secure and wobbled/rubbed agains the car.
I came up with a speedy design nicknamed “Hawkspear” its 6 and a half MPH
Don’t put the axles in all the way let the car teter it makes it fast
My car is going to win
I loved the pinewood derby when I was in cub scouts.Now I’m a boyscout.But you do alot of fun things in boyscouts.GOODLUCK to all of you.
Why do they have to put lead under the cars? Does the weight give it better stability and speed? The first Pinewood derby race I did, they filled an entire hole full of lead, and I won first prize.
can you grease the wheels when you’re making adjustments to your car?
i looked in the book of the rules you can put there wheels. It’s just evebody thinks its not aloud but it is. My son made one and it won first in the pack and first in Arizona.
I won 2 in state go tips
hey blue lightnig dude! my design isn’t blue lightnig. But it’s as fast as you say your’s is!
I have a secret design no one will see it coming!
These are great tips! The big thing to remember is that this is for the boys. Dad’s, HELP the boys don’t build the cars for them. They must learn on there own, guide them, that is how they grow. I always sugest and have a race for dads and tag alongs! Remember to check with your district an cub masters for the rules and guidelines!
thanks for the help
I’m glad they gave hints
Is it legal or not to extend the lenght of your wheel base on you Pinewood Derby car? The car has grooves where the axles go when you recieve the car in the box.
It isn’t clear in the Kit instructions?
can the car be built with just 3 wheels?
Hey! I am making a peanut car.
hey i won the race going backwards
I used these tips and i won 1st place speed in pinewood derby.
I already know these hints.
hey i’m making a ufo for a car what are you making?
That is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, I got a funny storie. I went with my freind to a derby once and i had to use his car from the year before because i wasn’t even in scouts(I’m a tenderfoot now) and i won first place against him!
No you can’t, wizland! My cars were Blue Lightening (last year) and this year Blue Lightening II. BUT! The first car I made in Webelos 2. In my (or my little brother’s now) pack if you have a little brother in cub scouts then you can race in the “unlimited” section.
BlueLighteningDude
I was reading and flipping the pages of Boy’s Life Magazine when I got to the page with the picture of the wooden and painted Pinewood Derby car and that reminded me that the Pinewood Derby was coming up. I noticed that the page had Speed Secrets printed on it, so I asked my dad if I could do my Pinewood Derby car right away!Luckily he said yes. When the car was finished, I waited a couple of days, until the Pinewood Derby started I got FIRST PLACE!!!and I only got in second once during the whole entire race!(not including the championship race but I was in the championship race) for Bears in 2008. You should really try these speed secrets!
Where can I get several axels to choose from? Somebody help me quick!!!!!
AWESOME!! LUV IT
Hey, blah. You can still be counted in with Webelos 2 if you’re in boy scouts. (:
Thanks for the tips. I won 1st place last year and i’m hoping to win again.
awesome tips they really helped me
last year i won a award
i made a car last year and it popped a whelie because i had too much weight in the back but it backfired and caused MORE friction because the back of the car touched the track so don’t place too much weight in the back of the car
One of the secrets is against a rule; Raise one tire 1/16 off the track.
i would use these tips but i am going to boy scouts before that.
Puting the wait in the back really helps. thanks BoysLife!
pinecar is a good company for decals car building hints and pre made cars (i don’t like the pre made cars but you might) they also have books and dvds full of tips and hints to make a great car you can find them in the hobbie section of most hobbie lobbys ps they are bsa aproved unless it say other wise
As a Den Leader we try to follow the BSA rules, and as such I have an issue with the numbers, 5 and 6 on the secrets list, they say to make it run on 3 wheels, and to extend the wheel base, both of which are against the BSA Rules. I would hope that all you scouts out there will not think about cheating just because these tips are on this site. Have a great race.
Pack 16, Athol, MA.
Be sure that any of the hints to make your car faster don’t make your car illegal. For instance, our council doesn’t allow a pointed front (must be flat for 3/4 of middle), nor can we extend the wheelbase, it must be factory cut. Not all speed tips are equal or a good idea. Check the rules before you run with it! Good luck racing.
Every cub’s dream is to have a cool looking car and have it fast. Are they both possible at the same time though? With these tips it can be.Tip 1: model your car after a race car. The real thing goes fast, so why shouldn’t your derby? Tip 2: like the packet above says you need lots of weight in the back. Try drilling a hole in the back and filling it with lead. (Make sure you get it weighed first.) Tip 3: Think of cool models that look good aerodynamic. One year I had a rocket that had a point at the front ,after that it slanted up to go fast. It almost won before it broke during the race☻. Tip 4: Try using metallic spray paint for a nice shine.
MAKE SURE TO HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The critical point in making the car fast is to be absolutely sure, or at least as sure as you can be, that the wheels are running true and smoothly. Polish the axles where the wheel rides on them to remove all burrs on the axles, polish the insides of the wheel hubs with pipecleaners and smooth the tread surface of the wheels to remove all mold marks. Be absolutely sure the axles are perfectly aligned with a 90 degree angle from the track surface and precisely perpendicular to the axis of the car body. Use plenty of dry, powdered graphite to lubricate the wheels and get the weight of the car just as close to the maximum allowed with weight inserted in holes drilled in the rear of the car and fastened low on the sides of the car between the front and rear wheels.
I just remolded the batmobeil and i am on to finals
the wheels matter
It’s Awesome tips, my cars sure to win!!!
Thanks I hope I’ll win this year.
I Never Knew THAT! THANKS!
Awsome!!!
thanks for the tips
I am a WeblosII and I am so sad because today was my last pinewood derby.
Cool tips!
thanks for helping me .I made the fastest car!
they work well.
i can’t wait it is fun working with my dad and mon on my car
Does it matter which wheel is off the ground, if we are doing the three wheels?
Awesome. i never won at all but i got 2nd in design 1 time with this ill be like, TEH_PWNAGE!!!!!lol
this is awesome!
thx the tipz
You have to be a scout to be in Pinewood Derby evo 7
sweet, thank you 4 the tips. I WILL WIN!
Thanks for the tips! I’m sure with them I won’t lose.
the axle tip really helped!
these r amazing tips. thanks.
I WILL WIN
thanks for the tips
I was looking at the Picture of them putting a Axle in the Drill. What kind of tool do you use get the rough burs out with to make it smooth?
Also where can I get extra wheels and axles?
thanks 4 the tips it made car go faster then i expected,but anyways my model was a made F1.I didn’t enter be cause i can’t find the event.Were is Pinewood anyways?
In my first cub scout year, I got 1st and second year got 2nd, this year I wan’t to make my derby car myself with my pocket knife, I think BL’s tips will help a lot, Thanks!!!
hey i’m in pack 10! but i’m in VA.
I won second place once with my own design! To bad I’m a Boy Scout now and not a Cub Scout.
i think every part about it was cool except i always lose
I have won first place before.
this will be really helpful this year 4 me
you know this worked thanks and Merry Christmas
this might just really work
awsome
My dad taught me the 3 wheeler tip.
I got 1st place once then next time I got 3rd.This year, we aren’t just racing, but this time, we also made the trophies. It is cool. I hope you all have fun in your derby!
That Pack 10 is sharp!
cool when i was a cub scout i won first place twice
That show with the pictures and sounds is amazing!!! Wish we could have one for our pack. I hope you put more shows like that online.
I want to go there!!!!!!