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. You can then add more weight to the back of the car.

How can I make my Pinewood Derby car faster?

1. Bake your block. …
2. Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. …
3. Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). …
4. Sand and polish your wheels and axles. …
5. Check alignment. …
6. Spend time on sanding. …
7. Use a high-quality paint. …
8. Add decals!

How do you make a glossy finish on a Pinewood Derby car?

Apply two coats of liquid sanding sealer. Let the sealer dry overnight before sanding it lightly with fine-grit paper. If the grain still shows, apply two more coats of sealer. Let it dry overnight and sand again.

How do you seal a Pinewood Derby car?

To seal the paint and give the car a deep shine, apply a “clear coat”. Use a clear coat that is compatible with the base coat. The clear coat can be applied right after the base coat dries to touch. Give the first clear coat 10 minutes or so to dry, and then apply a second clear coat.

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.

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 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 can I make my soap box derby car faster?

Weight: Numerous formula-based calculations and real-life experiments have been done to determine if a heavier or slower soap box derby car will go faster. Consensus is that adding weight gives the car more momentum (acceleration/top speed) and cuts down on air resistance/drag.

How do you weigh a pinewood derby car at home?

Place a pencil under and across the car one inch in front of the rear axle. This is where the car should balance. Place the flat weight on the top of the car and move it forward and back until the car balances on the pencil. This is where the flat weight should be placed under the block.

Should I prime my Pinewood Derby car?

Pinewood Derby cars were painted over 100 times, and we selected the best paints for them. Sand and paint are the best way to apply these high gloss acrylic paints – they do not require primer or wood sealer. Water is the base of all of our paints.

Article first time published on

What type of paint should I use on a Pinewood Derby car?

It’s as easy as ABC! Use a final gloss clear paint coat to give your car an extra shine. Some people use car wax but clear paint gives better results. You will get better results if you give your car several light coats of paint rather than one or two thick coats.

What is the maximum weight for a Pinewood Derby car?

MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ 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.

Do I need to use a sanding sealer?

Michael Dresdner: “Sanding sealer is never mandatory. It is an option that saves time and material in some situations, and is unnecessary in others. Some woods, like cedar, spruce, and poplar, are so porous that they tend to suck up the first few coats of sprayed lacquer as if nothing were applied.

How do you paint Pinewood Derby wheels?

1. Clean the wheel with a soft rag.
2. Remove any excess paint from the tip of the marker by wiping it on a piece of paper.
3. Paint the spokes by rotating the wheel under the marker. Keep the marker at the same angle. …
4. Let the paint dry for two hours before mounting the wheels on your car.

Is graphite legal in pinewood derby?

Graphite-coatings on axles and wheels are legal as long as your race rules allow graphite or dry lubricants.

Can you glue axles on pinewood derby car?

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.

Can a pinewood derby car have 3 wheels?

Especially when using axle slots, it is often quite difficult to get all four wheels to touch the ground evenly. In fact, many times people end up with three-wheeled pinewood derby cars by accident! Don’t let your car design be accidental.

Is Pinewood Derby only for Cub Scouts?

Pinewood derbyPetty SuperbirdOwnerBoy Scouts of AmericaCountryUnited StatesDatesAnnual

How long does Pinewood Derby last?

How long does it take to run the race? From user reports, with the RaceManager each heat should last about two minutes (or less!) per racer. See Running the Race for an explanation.

Where does the weight go 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 fast do pinewood derby cars go mph?

The Speed of Pinewood Derby Cars The distribution plot below shows a range of speeds from 177 mph to 229 mph, with most cars exceeding 200 mph.

What is the fastest soapbox car?

The fastest speed in a soapbox is 137.78 km/h (85.61 mph) and was achieved by Guy Martin (UK) at Mont Venoux, France, on 16 October 2014.

Why is it called a soap box?

A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject. The term originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden crate originally used for shipment of soap, or other dry goods, from a manufacturer to a retail store.

How fast does a soap box derby car go?

Soapboxes are delicately balanced; they race at speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour.

Can a Pinewood Derby car be shorter than 7 inches?

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.

How do you glue weights on a Pinewood Derby car?

Epoxy can be used for attaching metal accessories to the car and, since it does not shrink when dry, it works well for gluing weight into holes or pockets. It can also be used for gluing wood to wood, but I recommend yellow, white, or tacky glue for that use.

How do you run a successful Pinewood Derby car?

1. Maintain perspective. Pinewood Derby shouldn’t be all about racing, and it’s certainly not all about trophies or ribbons. …
2. Delegate responsibilities. …
3. Establish rules. …
4. Host a car-making workshop. …
5. Hold an inspection event. …
6. Gather materials. …
7. Establish a timing system. …
8. Use racing software.

What can you use instead of sanding sealer?

“As for a sanding sealer, I usually just use shellac. Typically a 1 lb cut. There are two ways to do this. I either buy pre-mixed shellac (Bullseye SealCoat), and dilute it from 2lb cut to 1lb cut.

What's the purpose of sanding sealer?

A sanding sealer can be used on bare, unstained floors, doors, furniture and cabinets prior to applying either an oil-based or a water-based clear finish. It is designed as a base coat that will dry quickly, seal the pores, and sand easily with fine sandpaper to create an ultra-smooth foundation.

What is the difference between sanding sealer and polyurethane?

Oil-based polyurethane is a very durable and hard-curing finish. … This sealer is good for use under non-polyurethane varnishes because regular alkyd varnishes gum up sandpaper. So to speed production, a sanding sealer can be used for the first coat. Sanding the first coat not only removes dust nibs.