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One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
- What makes Pinewood Derby cars go fast?
- What is the fastest shape for a Pinewood Derby car?
- Is a shorter Pinewood Derby car faster?
- What is considered a fast Pinewood Derby time?
- Is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster?
- Are Bent Axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
- How much weight does paint add to a Pinewood Derby car?
- How thin can a Pinewood Derby car be?
- What is the fastest wooden car?
- How long is a soap box derby car?
- Where does the weight go on a Pinewood Derby car?
- How do you make a gravity car go faster?
- Do you glue Pinewood Derby axles?
What makes Pinewood Derby cars go fast?
Coat it everywhere – all over the axles, where the wheels touch the axles, on the car itself where the wheel can touch the car… everywhere. Sand and polish your wheels and axles. You can use a mini file to remove any major ridges on the axles, because we all know that the less friction, the faster the car!
What is the fastest shape for a Pinewood Derby car?
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Is a shorter Pinewood Derby car faster?
Can a pinewood derby car be shorter than 7 inches? Yes, you can make your car shorter but it is not recommended. A shorter car will have a lower center of mass at the start so it will have less energy to convert into speed when going down the track.
What is considered a fast Pinewood Derby time?
Pinewood Derby Results. The average times with just weight added was 3.288 seconds. There was 0.188 seconds between the fastest and slowest car, about 23 inches. The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
Is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster?
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
Are Bent Axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
CAN I BEND AXLES AND QUALIFY FOR STOCK CAR OR PRO STOCK DIVISIONS? No. Bent axles are not allowed in either racing class.
How much weight does paint add to a Pinewood Derby car?
Paint only adds a few grams (hundredths of a ounce). We generally weight up to 4.9 oz and then do the last weight adjustment at check-in.
How thin can a Pinewood Derby car be?
You can easily run a car that is 1/4" in the rear and tapers to 1/16 in the front as long as it is full width.
What is the fastest wooden car?
In 2016, the "Pioneer Cedar Rocket" set a Guinness World Record for being the fastest motorized log car, reaching a top speed of 47.64 mph on the set of HGTV's Timber Kings at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.
How long is a soap box derby car?
Cars are typically 4 ft. to 6 ft. long and 2 ft. to 3 ft. wide and generally made of wood. When using wood it is suggested that you use screws rather than nails and be sure to use plenty of wood glue.
Where does the weight go on a Pinewood Derby car?
Best Location to Weight Your Pinewood Derby Car
When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
How do you make a gravity car go faster?
If you want to go fast, the car needs minimal air resistance. As crazy as it sounds, a simple wedge shape car solves this problem. Don't forget to slant the back of the car so it doesn't drag when the car hits the bottom of the hill. Wheels - The wheels provided in the standard kit are excellent.
Do you glue Pinewood Derby axles?
7. Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don't get glue on your wheels. 8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.
