1. Sand and polish the axles and wheels.

You don’t need a PhD in physics to know that friction can slow down a pinewood derby car (or any car, for that matter). But how exactly can you do that? One of the most effective ways is to reduce the amount of friction that exists at the axles and wheels. In fact, it’s one of the biggest sources of friction on the car. Make sure that you’ve sufficiently sanded down and polished the axles. And while sanding the wheels is advisable, it’s crucial to do it properly. Otherwise, you could actually increase the amount of friction that the wheels create. And that’s a bad thing!

Fast Pinewood Derby Car Inferno EX

2. Straighten your car’s course.

Indeed, the shortest distance between Point A and Point B, is a straight line. But making adjustments to your pinewood derby car in order to straighten its course is another story. You can accomplish that mission by making adjustments to the car’s axles or wheels. This can involve one or multiple wheels or axles. After making the adjustments make sure to test the car on a flat surface. Does it roll straight?

3. Use an aerodynamic shape.

The exact shape that you choose isn’t as important as the approach that you take. Your car should narrow towards the front, and have a low profile.

4. Apply the finish properly.

You should take certain steps to ensure that you do it as effectively as possible. Sand the car thoroughly before adding paint to it. Also, consider applying multiple layers of a quality (clear) lacquer. Finally, add a coat of car wax, to make the car more aerodynamic.

5. Add weight (but not too much).

If your car is too light, then it will roll with too little inertia and momentum. The solution is to add weight until the car is extremely close to five ounces (including the weight of the axles and wheels). Make sure to add the weight towards the car’s front, to make it as effective as possible.

Tweaking the car’s weight isn’t something that you should do immediately before a race. So it’s important to get the weight right sooner, rather than right before the pinewood derby race.

6. Lubricate the axles.

There are two types of lubricants that you could use. Graphite is a common one which can be quite effective in improving the rotation of the wheels. Another effective type of lubricant for wheels is Nyoil. However, before using such oil you should verify whether your local pinewood derby race permits it. If it doesn’t, then you’ll have to settle for graphite.

Do you want to create a fast pinewood derby car? If so, then implement these above tips. They’ll give you the best chance at racing across the finish line before every other car!

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby Products visit the Derby Monkey Garage

For Dremel Pinewood Derby Tool Kits and all related Pinewood Derby Products visit the Derby Monkey Garage