Results
Test 1: Baseline:
Car #1 Average Time: 3.249 seconds
Car #2 Average Time: 3.402 seconds
Car #3 Average Time: 3.214 seconds
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.
Test 2: Stress:
1-10 Average Time: 3.391 seconds
11-20 Average Time: 3.317 seconds
21-30 Average Time: 3.318 seconds
31-40 Average Time: 3.319 seconds
41-50 Average Time: 3.320 seconds
Total Average Time: 3.333 seconds
After 50 races, the car was averaging about 9 inches faster than it's first races (0.071 seconds). See Graph
Test 3: Graphite:
Car #1 Average Time: 2.974 seconds
Car #2 Average Time: 3.017 seconds
Car #3 Average Time: 2.992 seconds
The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
Test 4: Graphite Stress:
1-10 Average Time: 3.017 seconds
11-20 Average Time: 2.975 seconds
21-30 Average Time: 2.970 seconds
31-40 Average Time: 2.973 seconds
41-50 Average Time: 2.966 seconds
Total Average Time: 2.980 seconds
After 50 races, the car was averaging about 6 inches faster than when graphite was first put on (0.51 seconds). See Graph
Test 5: Weight & Axle Location:
The car went fastest when the weight and wheels were toward the back of the car. There was about 4 inches difference using different locations for the weight and wheels. See Graph
Test 6: Aerodynamics:
With a 3x5 index card in the car, it was a lot slower, about 46 inches. (0.372 seconds) Cutting the car with a point on the front made it go about 5 inches faster (0.042 seconds). See Graph
Test 7: Wheels:
After sanding the wheels, the car went about 6 inches faster. Waxing the sanded wheels made it go another inch faster. Pushing the axles in to 1/16 of an inch made it almost another inch faster. But pushing the axles in to 1/32 of an inch made the car almost 2 inches faster on average (0.015 seconds). See Graph
Test 8: Alignment:
After aligning the wheels so the car rolled straight on the table, the car went over 8 inches faster than before (0.068 seconds).
See Graph
(Conclusion)
FAQs
“He set the track record in NYC with a 2.93 second run, which wasn't even approached by any other car up there.” JJ's car was apparently the only car at the event to average under 3 seconds. Brewster says 3 seconds is sort of the “holy grail” of the Pinewood Derby Racing Leagues.
What is the fastest Pinewood Derby car time? ›
“He set the track record in NYC with a 2.93 second run, which wasn't even approached by any other car up there.” JJ's car was apparently the only car at the event to average under 3 seconds. Brewster says 3 seconds is sort of the “holy grail” of the Pinewood Derby Racing Leagues.
How to score Pinewood Derby race? ›
Each car will run one heat in each lane. Cars receive 1 point for a first-place finish, 2 points for second place, 3 points for third place and 4 points for last place. After four heats, the car with the lowest total score is the winner of the derby!
What is the most important thing to make a 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 best placement of Pinewood Derby wheels? ›
Additionally, the wheels must be located directly across from one another. Finally, if rules do not prohibit, the rear axle holes should be placed 5/8ths (0.625) of an inch from the car's rear. Moving the rear wheels increases stability and maximizes speed by keeping the rear wheels on the hill of the track longer.
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.
Are Bent Axles legal in Pinewood Derby? ›
No loose materials of any kind (such as lead shot) are allowed in the car. No bent axels, and all 4 wheels need to be on the track. Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race committee members can touch it.
Are heavier Pinewood Derby cars faster? ›
Assuming all other factors are equal, a heavier car will be faster than a lighter car. The Pinewood Derby rules limit the weight of each car to 5 ounces.
Do fenders make Pinewood Derby cars faster? ›
Fenders can help efficiently direct the air around the wheels resulting in more speed. There are a few different types of fenders: Leading Edge Fenders: These fenders are placed in front of the wheels and help direct air over them, leading to a faster car.
Does baking a Pinewood Derby car help? ›
Baking your Pinewood Derby wooden block helps to remove the moisture so that you have more wiggle room to add extra weight at the end. Remember, every little bit of weight in the right place makes a difference! Bake it in the oven at 250° for about 2 hours.
Slide the axles and wheels onto the car and glue into place. Use an epoxy or nonresin glue, and make sure you don't get any on the surface of the axle where the wheel rides.
Does a longer wheelbase make a Pinewood Derby car faster? ›
For pinewood derby cars, extending the wheelbase provides an advantage due to the following reasons: On Ramp-flat tracks2, best speed is attained by locating the center of gravity (COG) of the car as far back as possible while still maintaining stability (typically this is about one inch in front of the rear axle).
Which wheel to lift on Pinewood Derby car? ›
The wheels are a significant source of potential energy drain on a Pinewood Derby® car. Raising the non-steer wheel (typically the front left) so it does not contact the track reduces the amount of energy used to start the wheels spinning.
Who has the fastest derby time? ›
Legendary horse Secretariat boasts the fastest finish in the history of the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:57.40. The story behind the horse was adopted into a hit Disney film in 2010. Trailing behind Secretariat is Monarchos with a time of 1:59.97.
What is the fastest car record in mph? ›
The current holder of the Outright World Land Speed Record is ThrustSSC driven by Andy Green, a twin turbofan jet-powered car which achieved 763.035 mph - 1227.985 km/h - over one mile in October 1997. This is the first supersonic record as it exceeded the sound barrier at Mach 1.016.
How long should a Derby car be? ›
The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
What is the fastest speed of a toy car? ›
Witness the incredible speed of Marcel Paul's modified toy car, reaching a mind-boggling 148 km/h (92.24 mph).
