As you look over the tips here or anywhere else, make sure you know the rules of your race. Race rules differ between programs and even by region. Some of the tips here might get your car disqualified. I try to only list legal tips and to point out where a tip might run afoul of some of the more common rule variations. There’s no substitute for knowing your own rules, however.
The latest
- Do raised front ends (cheater bars) work? Feb 27
Will adding a raised front end to your car help it get a head start? One of the pieces of misguided advice I often see is to install a raised front end (often called a “cheater bar”) in the car. The theory behind the cheater bar is that when the gate drops, the top moves before […]
- Maximizing weight Mar 24
Mike from Phoenix wrote in with an observation on how scales work, and how to use this to your advantage. I noticed at my son’s pinewood derby this morning that his car weighed in at 5.1 ounces (the scale they used read out to one decimal place). I was a bit surprised and did a little […]
- EatSmart Digital Scale Feb 1
EatSmart sent me a review unit of their Precision Digital Scale to see if it was a fit for pinewood derby use. The scale is attractive and lightweight, and runs on two AAA batteries (included). It’s also inexpensive, retailing for just $25 on Amazon. The scale comes with the required two AAA batteries, a three […]
- Pinewood Founder podcast Dec 18
The Just My Show podcast has an interview with Donn Murphy, son of the creator of the Pinewood Derby and a participant in the very first Derby. In 1953, Don Murphy made Cub Scout history when he founded the Pinewood Derby. Over 50 years later, his son Donn is here talk about the race you grew […]
- CSAC Pinewood photos May 23
Looking for some design inspiration? The Columbus Society of Communicating Arts holds a pinewood derby each year as a fundraiser. As you might expect from a group of graphic designers and other creative pros, there’s some great car designs. For pictures from last year’s race, see the “2008 CSCA Pinewood Derby” set on Flickr.
Comments
1 comment so far ↓
Hypertech Pine // Sep 23, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Most rules say more by what they don’t say by as what they do say. This is really important in the entire learning process. The problem with rules arises when people try to eliminate all competition by adding rules because of last years winner. Perhaps they should spend more time reading tips and doing research then trying to remove the advantages of those who do spend the time.
Last year jokingly I wrote into the rules:
1) oil is not allowed however when used correctly we cant tell anyway so ignore rule 1
2) machine lathed wheels are also not allowed but alas we have no way to tell that either so go ahead feel free.
3) grooved axels are not allowed but again, we have no way of knowing because we don’t do tear down post inspections so be our guest. ( we also know they dont help so this is a smoke screen)
4) Only stock black wheels are allowed. We actually have one technical inspector who can almost see when he squints so we will catch you cheaters on this one! (this was put in for our design category awards judging only)
I guess the point is all the stupid rules in the world mean nothing if they cant be properly enforced. More importantly why reward the lazy people by eliminating all the advantages of those willing to go to the trouble to research and apply all the proper principals to make their cars better then their competitors. Make as well make it a coin flipping derby instead if its to be 100% “fair” for everyone including the lazy.
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