Are you someone who is in love with pinewood derby cars and you would like to make sure that your derby car will become as fast as possible? Well, if that is the case, you’ve come to the right place. No one argues that you can build a fast pine car, but building the fastest one possible is yet another story.

Here are some tips that will help you with achieving that:
1. Minimize the friction of the axles and wheels
It doesn’t mean that you will only need to focus on these 2 in order to get the car running at its top speed. What you need to do is to thus polish a bit the wheels and the axles which will in turn reduce friction and thus give you a boost in speed. But make sure that when you will do this, you will use the right materials and equipment. After you will be over with this process, it’s important that you will check to see if they are balanced. Rolling the car on a flat surface will allow you to tell if there are any problems with it or not. Tweaking your car this way should be done ahead of the day the race will be due, so that you have enough time to fix the damages should you have to deal with some.

G-Force Xtreme Speed Pinewood Derby Car Kit

2. Use a gradual approach when sanding
You will not make your pinewood derby cars look more attractive by sanding and painting them, but you will also reduce the air friction. Keep in mind that while you will be sanding your car, you will need to reduce the fineness of the sandpaper step by step.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of a good paint
After you will make your pinewood derby cars feel as smooth as baby’s skin, you will need to paint them. 1 coat of white primer should be added first and make sure that you cover your car well enough with it. The 220 grit paper sand-paper is an excellent choice in order for the surface of the car to be left perfectly smooth. After this process will be done, you will need to add a few coats of paint to the vehicle’s body. Adding 1 or 2 heavy coats is not recommended. They will not only take a long time to dry, but they will also add up a lot to the total weight of the car.

4. Align the axles and wheels
There are many methods through which you will be able to align the wheels and axles of your vehicle. Make sure that you take into account the difficulty of a method before you will do anything about it. For instance, not all methods are optimal for the Cub Scout.

5. Use the trial and error method
There are a few actions that always provide a boost to your pinewood derby cars and they number:
1.    Using high quality wheels & axles
2.    Are-polishing wheels in need of a new smooth surface
3.    Testing out the axles and wheels until they’ll roll true

With these tips for your pinewood derby cars it’s certain that your next project will be a successful one. Good luck!

The Pinewood Derby is a racing event organized by the Boy Scouts of America for their Cub Scouts. The first Pinewood Derby was organized by Cub Master Don Murphy in May 15, 1953 and took place in Manhattan Beach, California. The concept was similar to the Soap Box Derby, with the Pinewood cars being powered only by gravity. The Scout is give nine pieces and has to use all in the construction of the car.

The nine pieces are:

• One block of pinewood with two notches for the wheels

• Four plastic wheels

• Four nails

There is a weight restriction of five ounces. The length of the car should not exceed a certain length and must fit on the local track used by that scout club. The block of pinewood can be shaped with a hand knife, band saw etc. Decals, bought from hobby shops, could also be used to imitate actual racing car features. Even fender and pinewood derby car body kits are available.

Scouts let their imaginations run riot and you can see cars which are actual imitations of race cars, to weird looking contraptions, or just the pinewood block. A low car profile, with weights added to the rear, help it move faster. Graphite is put on the nails, as a lubricant to help the wheels spin faster. The idea behind the pinewood derby was for the son and parents to combine and make a car. It was intended to be a family project. However, the spirit of the event has been lowered to some extent, as usually the father ends up designing and building the car, for the son to be crowned in glory.

Black Magic Pinewood Derby Car Kit

The competition is held on a race track which usually consists of between two to six lanes and they slope towards the ground. Basically gravity and inertia propel the car and friction and air drag tend to slow it down. Modifications are done to the car so as to maximize potential energy. The body is shaped to minimize air resistance and the wheels shaped to give minimum contact with the track, to reduce rolling resistance. A low car profile, with weights added to the rear, help it go faster. Graphite is put on the nails as a lubricant to help the wheels spin faster. To even up the odds, the race is held in heats and each car has to be run in all the lanes.

Some clubs group all the racers of the same rank such as Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs etc.; while other clubs compete with the entire pack. The prizes for first, second and third place are usually ribbons, medals or trophies. The best car designs are also awarded prizes. As the derby progresses, the winners go from the club level, to the district level and finally to the entire council. Each race is accompanied by lusty, full throated, cheers from an exuberant pack of Scouts, in a spirit of fun and friendship.

Over the years the popularity of the derby grew and it spun copycats. Many organizations now hold similar derby’s, although differently named. Cub Master Don Murphy, in his wildest imagination never dreamed, that the Pinewood Derby would be so popular and help foster the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, among so many youngsters.

The Pinewood Derby is a racing event organized by the Boy Scouts of America for their Cub Scouts.  The first Pinewood Derby was organized by Cub Master Don Murphy in May 15, 1953 and took place in Manhattan Beach, California.  The concept was similar to the Soap Box Derby, with the Pinewood cars being powered only by gravity.

The Scout is give nine pieces and has to use all in the construction of the car.  The nine pieces are:

•    One block of pinewood with two notches for the wheels
•    Four plastic wheels
•    Four nails

There is a weight restriction of five ounces.  The length of the pinewood derby car should not exceed a certain length and must fit on the local track used by that scout club.  The block of pinewood can be shaped with a hand knife, band saw etc.  Decals, bought from hobby shops, could also be used to imitate actual racing car features.  Even fender and body kits are available.  Scouts let their imaginations run riot and you can see cars which are actual imitations of race cars, to weird looking contraptions, or just the pinewood block.  A low car profile, with weights added to the rear, help it move faster.  Graphite is put on the nails, as a lubricant to help the wheels spin faster.

The idea behind the pinewood derby was for the son and parents to combine and make a car.   It was intended to be a family project.  However, the spirit of the event has been lowered to some extent, as usually the father ends up designing and building the car, for the son to be crowned in glory.

Revell Grand Prix Racer Pinewood Derby Kit

The competition is held on a race track which usually consists of between two to six lanes and they slope towards the ground.  Basically gravity and inertia propel the car and friction and air drag tend to slow it down.  Modifications are done to the car so as to maximize potential energy. The body is shaped to minimize air resistance and the wheels shaped to give minimum contact with the track, to reduce rolling resistance.  A low car profile, with weights added to the rear, help it go faster.  Graphite is put on the nails as a lubricant to help the wheels spin faster.

To even up the odds, the race is held in heats and each car has to be run in all the lanes.  Some clubs group all the racers of the same rank such as Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs etc.; while other clubs compete with the entire pack.  The prizes for first, second and third place are usually ribbons, medals or trophies.  The best car designs are also awarded prizes.  As the derby progresses, the winners go from the club level, to the district level and finally to the entire council.  Each race is accompanied by lusty, full throated, cheers from an exuberant pack of Scouts, in a spirit of fun and friendship.

Over the years the popularity of the derby grew and it spun copycats.  Many organizations now hold similar derby’s, although differently named.  Cub Master Don Murphy, in his wildest imagination never dreamed, that the Pinewood Derby would be so popular and help foster the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, among so many youngsters.

What is the best Pinewood Derby Lube?

Every derby racer wants to know what is the best and fastest Pinewood Derby lubrication.

The best lubrication may or may not be legal for any particular race.  The BSA does not have a standard set of rules that must be followed by all scout packs.  So, lubrications rules may vary from one pack to another.

The fastest lubrication for a Pinewood Derby car is a super thin oil called Krytox GPL 100.  This is a super slick oil developed and produced by DuPont.  This is a highly-refined synthetic thin-film lubricant with an ultra-low viscosity. When Krytox is properly applied it easily outperforms any dry lubrication including graphite.

Krytox is also very kind to your nice paint job. Graphite will permanently stain a light color paint job but Krytox will not.

If using oil such as Krytox: Less is Best… Place two small drops on the axle shaft.  Place the axle in the wheel bore and spin the wheel several times.  Remove wheel.  Wipe off excess oil from the axle.

The problem is that many pack rules do not allow any type of liquid lubrication. So that forces you to use a dry lubricant like graphite.  There is a huge variety of Pinewood Derby graphite lubricants on the market today.  Its difficult to make an inelegant choice on what graphite to use.  Different graphites come in various particle sizes and some contain additives such as molybdenum.

An example of a quality 100% pure graphite is Monkey Dust.  This is a secret formula of natural and pure industrial grade graphite powders that create a tremendously low coefficient of friction.  The Monkey Dust micro-fine graphite particles are designed with special properties allowing them to form a super slick dry film that adhere to wheels and axles to significantly diminish friction. The results are longer lasting graphite and a much greater speeds.

This specially formulated graphite has been used by thousands of Pinewood Derby racers nation wide… and Monkey Dust consistently brings cars home in first place.

On the other hand, a quality graphite containing performance additives is DerbyMax Graphite with Molybdenum.  This lubricant consists of a fine, specially ground formula prepared with molybdenum. The Molybdenum stabilizer has a very low coefficient of friction and when mixed in the correct proportions enhance the lubricating effects of the graphite.  Many tests have proven DerbyMax Graphite with Molybdenum to be the best available.

If using graphite: More is Best… Pack the wheel bore with graphite.  Place the axle in the wheel bore and spin the wheel several times.  Then pack the wheel bore with graphite again. Reinstall the axle and mount the axles wheel on the car.

So, which graphite is best? Is molybdenum an important additive to have?  Tests are unclear.  Many racers are convinced that a graphite fortified with molybdenum outperforms any other dry lubricant.  Others can produce test results that show the opposite.  When it comes down to it just use a good lubrication that you feel confident with.  Monkey Dust and DerbyMax Graphite are both excellent choices.

Looking for a super, super cool Pinewood Derby Car Kit?  You will definitely want to take a look at the new Revel NASCAR Stock Car Pinewood Derby Kit!

Revell Stock Car Trophy Series Racer Kit

From the start of the first lap until the winner crosses the finish line, NASCAR racing provides fans with a pure adrenaline rush that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Now you can experience the rush for yourself with this NASCAR Stock Car Pinewood Derby kit. It comes with virtually everything you need to win, including a preshaped body and race-legal wheels and axles. The kit also includes a rear spoiler, paint and super cool decals. A weight bar allows additional fine-tuning, while the Raceday Log/Tips and Tricks Book is loaded with helpful hints on how to cross the finish line first.

Why our Pinewood Derby® racers stand out:

• Official BSA Pinewood Derby wheels and axles included! Unlike some other kits, Racer Kits include official BSA Pinewood Derby® wheels and axles. That makes them a convenience for you, instead of something extra to buy.

• A better body. Racer bodies give you a head start on good looks. They’re CAD-drawn and preshaped to eliminate unnecessary shaping work. Sand it smooth…and you’re ready to paint.

• Sandpaper and decals included. The sandpaper you need? It’s included, along with one peel & stick decal sheet. Let the good looks roll!

• Weight for performance tuning. Make sure your car’s weight is race legal on race day. You can remove excess weight by breaking sections at the scores — and secure the weight to the chassis just by sticking it on.

• Pinewood Derby® Raceday Log/Tips and Tricks Book. A must-have for the serious competitor. There are 16 pages of performance secrets and how-to’s for pre-race tuning, and space for recording setups, times, races and results!

• Injection-molded detail parts. Your Sprint Car can be made more realistic with the included top wing, front spoiler and roll cage. All arrive painted and ready to install!

What kid doesn’t just love Spongebob and his home in Bikini Bottom?  Now they can bring Spongebob Squarepants to the Pinewood Derby Race Track!

Spongebob Square Pants Pinewood Derby Car Kit

The SpongeBob racer is another super fast car in the long line of Derby Monkey Xtreme Speed Series Pinewood Derby Car Kits.

This car kit uses a low profile body and delivers a very aggressive center of gravity (COG). The pine body and SpongeBob body parts are precision cut with a CNC guided laser for perfect balance, symmetry and stunning good looks.

The SpongeBob car kit comes with tungsten cubes and is available with a standard BSA wheelbase with axle slots or with an extended wheelsbace with axle holes.  Select the extended wheelbase version if your rules will allow.  An extended wheelbase with precision drilled axle holes will make a faster car.

Assembly is required.  The body parts easily glue on the main body frame.  This is a great kit for racers of all ages and is a fantastic project for the child and parent.

This car meets all BSA Pinewood Derby dimensional requirements.  Available with Official BSA Pinewood Derby wheels and axles.

The Derby Monkey Xtreme Speed kits are engineered with only one thing in mind… sheer speed.  The body design, weight placement, center of mass, alignment and aerodynamics are all optimized for top performance. These are district caliber kits that will give you a tremendous advantage over the competition. Get the complete Easy-to-Build kit with all necessary components to build a precision engineered racing machine..

SpongeBob Racer Features:

• ¼″ Low Profile Body
• Aggresive Center of Gravity
• Tungsten Cubes for Weight
• Weight Pockets Underneath
• Available with Standard BSA Wheelbase with Axle Slots
• Available with an Extended Wheelbase with Axle Holes
• Official BSA Pinewood Derby Wheels
• Official BSA Pinewood Derby Axles
• Extremely Fast Car
• Derby Monkey Exclusive

The Basic Sponge Bob Kit Includes:

• Precut Low Profile Sponge Bob Body
• Tungsten Cubes for Weight
• Detailed Instructions
• SpongeBob Body Parts

Are you looking for a cool Pinewood Derby Car Kit?  G-Force Pinewood Derby Car made from a kit may be just the car you’re looking for.

G-Force Xtreme Speed Pinewood Derby Car Kit

Rated “Best Choice″ for 2012.  This is our fastest car kit and our #1 top selling Xtreme Speed Series car kit.

The G-Force takes its name very seriously.  This car delivers the most aggressive center of gravity (COG) than any car in our garage.  The provided tungsten cubes and the cars weight pocket design allows you to adjust the COG from ¾″ to an amazing ½″. What does this mean for you?… SPEED.  There is room behind the rear axle for a row of 1/4” and a row of 3/16” tungsten cubes. This Pinewood Derby car is designed for an aluminum track… or a wood track that is in excellent condition.  An aggressive COG on a smooth track is wicked fast.

The pine body is precision cut with a CNC guided laser for perfect balance and symmetry. The axle holes are then drilled perfectly straight and parallel to each other and the left front is raised so that the wheel makes no track contact.  This is an extended wheelbase car to allow for better stability.

Three G-Force cars were released into the general public for the 2010 derby season on a trial and experimental basis.  All three won their pack and district derbies.  These cars are impressive.

The Derby Monkey Xtreme Speed kits are engineered with only one thing in mind… sheer speed.  The body design, weight placement, center of mass, alignment and aerodynamics are all optimized for top performance. These are district caliber kits that will give you a tremendous advantage over the competition. Get the completeEasy-to-Build kit with all necessary components to build a precision engineered racing machine. Use the provided G-Force decals or create your own design.

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Pinewood Derby Cars are popular for a number of reasons. The fact that it is a lot of fun to build them certainly would be among the prime reasons. Building them might have a number of wonderful rewards but the fun of construction pales in comparison to the enormous fun found in racing these cars. Yes, the look of these cars radiates an additional sense of enjoyment. These cars are just flat out cool! And if you were hard pressed for a common reason why many think these cars are cool it would be their unique designs.

There are quite a number of cool Pinewood Derby Car designs. Here is a look at a few of the top ones:

The Batman design is somewhat interesting. Is it loosely based on the car the Batman drove? Well, this car is black like the classic old time hero’s costume.

Batman Pinewood Derby Car

The Metal Head  has a look right out of the movies. The presence of the skull is pretty over the top. The body is precision cut with a CNC guided laser for perfect balance and symmetry. The included tungsten cubes and pre cut weight pockets allow you to adjust the center of gravity to less than 1″ for a lightning fast ride.  This is an extended wheelbase car for better stability and greater speeds.

The Woody Surf look is late 70′s/early 80′s inspired in design. It has a beach car headed to the ocean to catch some waves. The Surf Gypsy behind the wheel has loaded his surfboard on top and slammed his foot on the floor.  This is a gnarlatious Pinewood Derby car with stunning graphics in the form of some primo decals.   Super cool woody wagon with surfboard on top!

The Black Magic has the body of many sleek cars. Unlike a number of those cars the look of the Raven is cool as opposed to the dullish look of the other standard sleek cars. Would you really want a dull looking car or one that has the cool add-on such as those on the hood of this model which allows it to uniquely stand out from a crowd of Pinewood Derby Car model kits? You probably are leaning towards the cooler looking cars.

The Magnum does look like a car that is on a mission. You could say the look allows it to roar down the race track with a vengeance. The car also maintains the somewhat retro look of other Pinewood Derby Cars but not to such a degree that it looks out of date. Consider it a car that combines styles from different time periods and it does so in such a way that it maintain an incredibly special look.

You could say there are many, many more designs to Pinewood Derby Cars that have special and cool looks. You would have a very difficult time finding any of these cars which could even remotely be called dull looking.

You may have a hard time narrowing down your selection to a particular model. Maybe instead of narrowing your selection down you can purchase several of them. Who know? In time you may have an amazing collection of cool looking Pinewood Derby Cars.

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