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.

What can be used for weights in pinewood derby car?

Tungsten Weights

Tungsten is among the most popular pinewood derby weight due to its high density. Only gold, platinum, and a few other rare materials boast similar densities. Tungsten is about 1.7 times as dense as lead, and 3.2 times as dense as zinc, which allows for a great amount of freedom in terms of car design.

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.

How much weight does paint add to pinewood derby car?

I painted a car with primer and 3 coats of the spray and it was less than an 1oz of change it . 03oz. So get the car as close to 5oz then add the paint.

Should I bake my pinewood derby block?

Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. Baking might remove more moisture but the block will quickly re-absorb the moisture after it is out of the oven and cooled down.

Are Bent axles legal in pinewood derby?

Wheels and Axles Rules

Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.

Can I add weight to my pinewood derby car?

The heavier your pinewood derby car, the faster it will go. Most race rules limit the weight to 5 oz so you want your car as close to the limit as possible. The Wedge block will need about 2.5 oz of additional weight to bring it up to the 5 oz limit. Then add the weights until the total is 5 oz.

Where is the best place to put weight 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 much does pinewood derby wood block weigh?

The official Pinewood Derby car weighs about 3.5 ounces without any modifications. The wooden block is about 3.3 ounces, and the wheels and axles add about 0.2 ounces.

How can I make my Pinewood Derby car faster?

10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby Car
Bake your block. Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). Sand and polish your wheels and axles. Check alignment. Spend time on sanding. Use a high-quality paint. Add decals!

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.

Will Home Depot cut my Pinewood Derby car?

鈥淥ur employees will use our tools to cut a seven inch block of pine into a winning race car. The workshop is free to Scout parents.鈥

Can you spray paint a Pinewood Derby car?

Step 3: Choose a color for your Pinewood Derby car. Then apply two to three coats of enamel paint to the car’s body. Spraying the model with paint from an aerosol can is easier than using a brush. Seal and protect it by spraying the entire car with clear gloss paint.