Where is the best place to put your weights on a pinewood derby car?

Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8″ away from the axle slots.

How much weight should I put in my pinewood derby car?

The maximum weight limit for a pinewood derby car is 5 ounces. Plan on adding 2 to 3.5 oz of weight to your car, depending on your car design and the weight of your pine wood block. A chunky car design has more wood so it needs less weight.

What is the best aerodynamic shape for a pinewood derby car?

simple wedge
No fancy shapes 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.

Do heavier Pinewood Derby cars go 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.

What makes a Pinewood Derby car fast?

Ride on three wheels by raising one wheel off the track. You will move faster if you have to get only three wheels rotating, giving you a 1.1-car advantage over an identical Pinewood Derby car riding on four wheels.

Are weights allowed in Pinewood Derby cars?

First, the basics: 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.

Does aerodynamics matter in Pinewood Derby?

Yes, there is air resistance with these pine derby cars. And yes, for that effect the mass of the car does indeed matter.

Should I 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.

Where’s the best place to add weight to a pinewood derby car?

Placing weights on a Pinewood Derby car toward the rear of the body is often the only practical place to add weight. The narrow nose section doesn’t allow adequate space for weights, especially internally.

How much does the pinewood derby car kit weigh?

Winning Pinewood Derby Cars. The maximum weight limit for a pinewood derby car is 5.0 ounces. Your car should weigh 5.0oz to be competitive. The car block weighs between 1.5oz and 3.5oz (depending on your car design), so plan on adding roughly between 1 and 3 ounces, which allows .5oz for wheels and axles.

What is the size of a pinewood derby block?

The dimensions of a pinewood derby car block are 7 inches long, 1 3/4 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches high. The official BSA block is made from ponderosa pine .

What is the weight of a derby car?

Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.