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How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car

By David Meade
Photographs by DK Publishing and BL readers

SAFETY FIRST: Ask an adult to help with tools you haven't used before.

derby-featured

Packs around the country are preparing to hold their annual Pinewood Derby. There are many ways to make your Pinewood Derby car go faster. Here are some of them.

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 designs with a pointed nose. 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.

Leave enough wood in the rear of the Pinewood Derby car so you can place additional weight there. You will end up placing most of the weight in the rear of the Pinewood Derby car.

Make the maximum weight. Your car should weigh as much as it’s allowed. In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.

Be sure that it is very clear which end of your Pinewood Derby car is the front and which end is the back. 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.

Choose a design that allows the air to move over and around the Pinewood Derby car body in a smooth manner. Pinewood Derby cars with aerodynamic profiles go faster.

Click here to see photo galleries of hundreds of Pinewood Derby car designs.

pinespeed2

Designing and Building a Winning 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 with your block of wood, and before you do anything else, bake it in the oven at 250 degrees for around two hours to remove moisture and make it lighter. This will allow you to place more weight to the rear of the Pinewood Derby car where you actually want it.

pinewood-aero

2. Create the Design: Draw the outline of your Pinewood Derby car on a sheet of paper, cut it out and attach it to your block of wood.

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.

Click here to download a Pinewood Derby car template PDF to help you create your design.

3. Rough Cut the Design: Use a coping saw to cut out the rough shape of your Pinewood Derby car. You can also ask a responsible adult to make these cuts using a power tool.

4. Shape Your Car: Use sand paper to smooth your car’s edges and shape it to your design. An adult can also use a rotary tool or other tool to help you.

5. Sand and Paint the Pinewood Derby Car: Make it smooth to reduce friction and paint an awesome design to make it look great.

Click here for tips on painting your Pinewood Derby car to give it a shiny finish.

6. Install Axles and Wheels: 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.

— Make 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: The front and rear wheels should be as far apart as possible. Again, make sure this is allowed in your race.

Click here to learn about polishing Pinewood Derby axles and wheels to reduce friction.

7. Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don’t get glue on your wheels.

8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow. In general, it’s best to place weight to the rear of your car because a heavier rear increases speed.

Click here for scientific Pinewood Derby speed tips from a former NASA engineer

9. Lubricate the Wheel Well: Add graphite or another dry lubricant to reduce friction. The less friction between the body and wheel, the better.

And finally, remember the No. 1 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.

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85 Comments on How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car

  1. neonnissan55 // December 5, 2011 at 12:07 pm // Reply

    man this helped alot my indy car has never lost

  2. robokid // November 30, 2011 at 7:02 pm // Reply

    yummy

  3. Jack K. // November 27, 2011 at 1:53 pm // Reply

    WOW this stuff really helped i scored 1st place and went to the nationals:)but there I got 2nd place out of 10! 🙁

  4. Zeoranger3blue // October 23, 2011 at 7:14 pm // Reply

    I got 4th place in my pack in my 1st year

  5. whodathunkit // October 2, 2011 at 9:54 am // Reply

    I like to mold match the wheels. look for the numbers inside
    the wheel.

  6. sniffin in da kitchen // September 29, 2011 at 3:37 pm // Reply

    does the front weight thing work?

    • Huge // December 5, 2011 at 9:50 pm // Reply

      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!

  7. ss // September 11, 2011 at 4:10 pm // Reply

    Do not make a pickup truck mine was very slow

  8. GMC25 // August 6, 2011 at 7:07 pm // Reply

    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.

  9. videogame freak // June 7, 2011 at 9:48 pm // Reply

    it is a really AWSOME game.Translation:I LOVE IT!

  10. skatebored dude // May 27, 2011 at 9:04 am // Reply

    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.

  11. someone // May 27, 2011 at 9:00 am // Reply

    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

  12. tj // April 28, 2011 at 4:00 pm // Reply

    these secrets are awesome!!!

  13. bbacc // April 28, 2011 at 1:59 pm // Reply

    hate this

  14. squrrel boy // April 24, 2011 at 9:11 am // Reply

    nice good thinking

  15. Anonymous // March 28, 2011 at 3:46 pm // Reply

    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.

  16. JustinTime // March 26, 2011 at 1:53 pm // Reply

    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.

  17. PWDACE // March 21, 2011 at 6:11 pm // Reply

    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.

  18. mighty crumb // March 20, 2011 at 4:04 pm // Reply

    Only helps a little bit.

  19. joey k // March 14, 2011 at 9:34 pm // Reply

    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.

  20. pi day // March 5, 2011 at 2:54 pm // Reply

    idea for car. battery.

  21. pi day // March 5, 2011 at 2:53 pm // Reply

    Ideas for a car. Staple remover. Stapler. Crayon. Hedgehog. Ruler.

  22. Onye // February 20, 2011 at 3:41 pm // Reply

    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.

  23. tankity tank // February 18, 2011 at 10:34 pm // Reply

    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!

  24. jayhay // February 11, 2011 at 4:36 pm // Reply

    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

  25. Eagle555 // February 3, 2011 at 9:52 pm // Reply

    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.

  26. durbykid // February 2, 2011 at 4:55 pm // Reply

    first car, kina hard.

    • judeman22 // February 23, 2011 at 8:44 pm // Reply

      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!!!

  27. Cubleader514 // February 1, 2011 at 11:43 am // Reply

    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.

    • Na-Na // February 21, 2011 at 11:39 pm // Reply

      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.

      • Derby goof // January 19, 2012 at 7:19 am //

        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.

  28. magikamos // January 31, 2011 at 12:49 pm // Reply

    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?

    • magikamos // January 31, 2011 at 1:03 pm // Reply

      ~ 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.

    • BurlingtonRR // February 3, 2011 at 9:48 pm // Reply

      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.

  29. buddyg583 // January 30, 2011 at 10:26 am // Reply

    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

  30. FIREBALL // January 26, 2011 at 7:42 pm // Reply

    I did not win a trophy but i won a medal

  31. Bobby Joe // January 26, 2011 at 4:36 pm // Reply

    🙂

  32. Anonymous // January 25, 2011 at 8:01 pm // Reply

    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

    • magikamos // February 1, 2011 at 2:03 pm // Reply

      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.

      • adude // February 9, 2011 at 11:19 pm //

        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)

    • Derby goof // January 19, 2012 at 7:25 am // Reply

      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.

  33. Bobby Joe // January 25, 2011 at 7:13 pm // Reply

    Is this all true? I have a pine wood derby this weekend and I want to win for both speed and coolness. 🙂

  34. nam // January 22, 2011 at 9:39 pm // Reply

    i like this articale

  35. smitty // January 20, 2011 at 8:42 pm // Reply

    i am going to win this year.I am going to come in first.

  36. Mr. Person :D // January 18, 2011 at 8:34 pm // Reply

    I dunno what my design will be… The derby is on Saturday and it’s Tuesday…

    • procrastinator // January 19, 2011 at 7:12 pm // Reply

      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??

      • rog // May 19, 2011 at 9:05 pm //

        yes they do.

      • RegMaster // December 5, 2011 at 9:14 am //

        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!!

      • Spongebob Pinewood Pants // December 13, 2011 at 1:47 pm //

        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.

  37. Anonymous // January 16, 2011 at 10:25 pm // Reply

    I hope I don’t lose on the 29th.

  38. Tron503 // January 16, 2011 at 8:15 pm // Reply

    i totally agree with awesome Man. Every first time Pinewood Derby Racer should have some help.

  39. faces // January 15, 2011 at 12:03 pm // Reply

    cool cars

  40. DoubleTrouble // January 5, 2011 at 5:39 pm // Reply

    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.

    • Bearleader // January 27, 2011 at 8:08 pm // Reply

      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!

    • Derby goof // January 19, 2012 at 7:30 am // Reply

      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!!

  41. pedro // January 4, 2011 at 7:50 am // Reply

    my idea is an iPod

  42. harry potter not snapes 1 fan // January 4, 2011 at 12:51 am // Reply

    i won 3 gold trophies competing with my friends

  43. webalo scout pack 767 // January 2, 2011 at 5:02 pm // Reply

    I got the 1st place trophy 4 times

  44. awsome Man // December 31, 2010 at 7:34 pm // Reply

    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?

  45. fgggg // December 30, 2010 at 9:42 pm // Reply

    did not work

  46. ergs // December 29, 2010 at 2:44 pm // Reply

    When I was a tiger scout, i got first place.

  47. pinewood derby jerk // December 28, 2010 at 9:45 pm // Reply

    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

  48. sammy27 // December 19, 2010 at 11:22 am // Reply

    i won yesterday!!!!!!

  49. tyguy2 // December 17, 2010 at 9:14 pm // Reply

    this is my first time doing it

  50. pielord92 // December 16, 2010 at 1:17 am // Reply

    I one in a race with my den but the pack did much better then me.

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