The days of the pinewood derby are long past in my house, yet there are some tips and tricks we picked up along the way to make your car go as fast as possible, for those of you are participating in the Rose City Pinewood Derby fundraiser on March 11 at noon at Strange Brew Pub in Norwich.
For those unfamiliar with the derby, participants get a kit of a block of wood, nails and wheels, and are charged with making a car that will go the fastest down a three- or four-lane track. In most derbies, each car races in each lane as part of determining the winner. There are often prizes for the best design.
Boy Scouts of America rules require that the car be no more than 5 ounces, so it's essential to make sure that you do all you can to maximize the weight without going over. The local post office is usually willing to weigh your car if you don't have your own scale.
Start by baking your block
Bake the wooden block, usually at 250 degrees for two hours. This removes moisture, which allows you to apply weights when the block is finished. A heavier car is a faster car, but you can't go over that 5-ounce mark.
Use a low, slimline profile, sand and paint
You want to have as little drag as possible from wind resistance. A taller car will catch more wind. Also, you want as much of the weight in the back of the car as possible, to help push the car down the track.
By sanding the block, you also reduce friction. Start with a coarse grit, then a medium grit, and then a fine grit. Wrapping the sandpaper around another block can prevent divots in your car.
Use a high quality paint, but keep the paint to a minimum – it can add weight, and it can be hard to get it just right.
Polish your nails and wheels
No, we're not talking about fingernails! The nails you get with your kit are mass-produced and have little burrs and rough spots that create friction as the wheels turn. Friction will slow you down – get rid of all the imperfections you can.
Also, be sure that you place the nails into the block as straight as you can. If the nails are in at an angle, the wheels are wobbly and the car won't be as fast.
You will want to sand and polish the wheels as well – smooth wheels go faster.
Graphite is your best friend
High-carbon graphite is a lubricating powder that should go on the axles and the wheels to reduce friction and increase speed.
Have lead weights on hand
Right before the official weigh-in, weigh the car one last time and attach any weights you can to bring the weight up without going over. Fishing weights and pennies are both good for last-minute add-ons.
