What would be the fasted car 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.

1. Is a shorter Pinewood Derby car faster?
2. Is wedge the fastest Pinewood Derby car?
3. Is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster?
4. What is the fastest Pinewood Derby time?
5. What makes a fast car fast?
6. What is the best weight for Pinewood Derby?
7. Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
8. How much weight does paint add to a Pinewood Derby car?
9. Where is the best place to put weight on a Pinewood Derby car?

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.

Is wedge the fastest Pinewood Derby car?

The wedge is a simple design but it is one of the fastest pinewood derby cars that you can make.

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.

What is the fastest Pinewood Derby time?

We used ultralight wheels and grooved axles. It was very fast. Nobody even came close to us. Our best time was 2.516 seconds on a 35 foot aluminum track.

What makes a fast car fast?

The motive force for a car is the engine. Every engine produces an amount of work-energy measured in mechanical horsepower. One horsepower is 550 foot-pounds per second. More power in generation from the engine means more power available to turn the wheels faster on the car.

What is the best weight for Pinewood Derby?

The more your pine car weighs, the faster it will go on a downhill ramp. 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.

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.

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.