Secret Tricks to Make Pinewood Derby

Cars Go Fast

(In relative importance)

1. Have fun. Cubs love this project. Let them do the most they can.

2. Most important get the center of gravity highest. Since, as the car goes down the ramp, the height energy (called potential energy) is changed to motion energy (kinetic energy) you must start with the most height energy. Hint 1: the car starts on a downward ramp. Hint 2: moves the weighting.

3. You must figure how to reduce the wind resistance (called drag). Everyone knows how to cut the front drag with a point. Did you know that a back point is also important? Did you know that a back point helps more than the front point?

4. The real engineering problem is to meet both #2 and #3 above.

5. Alignment is also important. A cheap plastic mitre box (about $6.00) and a mitre saw can help with this.

6. To round the wheels put the inner hubs into an electric drill and touch the high spots with a fine file or sandpaper on a block.

7. Front wheelbase slightly narrower then back for good steering. NOT too narrow!

8. Clean up nail burrs and spin the nails with a drill with graphite as shown in the official Cub Scout Directions.

9. Paint neatly.

If anyone uses these tricks they must share them with all Cub Scouts (copy freely). Since a few people know these tricks, this list is intended to even the race. Steven Grannes, Cub Scout Dad, former Cub Scout, December 11, 1997.