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Tips to Pick Up Speed
Coordinate derby volunteers with a sign up.SAMPLE Tips to Decorate Your Car
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Using these tips, you're sure to wow the crowd on race day. But remember, you'll need to check your competition's rules to determine which modifications are allowed. Happy racing! Sarah Pryor is a journalist, wife, mom and Auburn football fan living in Charlotte, N.C. Create a Sign UpView Plans SignUpGenius makes groups and clubs organizing easy. | ![]() | Organize camping trip food and supplies with a sign up. Create a Sign Up View Plans View Sample Sign Up Recent Groups & Clubs Articles 50 Presidential Trivia Questions Read More 30 Meal Ideas to Support Those in Need Read More 100 National Days to Celebrate Read More Related Articles Scout Camping Checklist Read More 25 Fundraising Ideas for Clubs Read More I love SignUpGenius' ease of use and functionality. In just the last few weeks I have used SignUpGenius to help manage Girl Scout outings, Secret Santa Sign-up, a potluck, and volunteer opportunity at our preschool. The possibilities are endless.... I've tried other sign-up websites and find yours by far the best fit for my purpose. Diane Crockett - Arlington County, VA |
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in Pinewood Derby car racing, I can provide you with information related to all the concepts used in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, and I can demonstrate my expertise through a deep understanding of the tips and techniques mentioned in the article. Let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article.
Racing Pinewood Derby Cars
Racing Pinewood Derby cars has been a popular tradition since the 1950s, starting as a Boy Scout activity and now involving many other clubs and organizations. The objective of the race is simple: build a car out of a piece of wood, four nails, and four wheels, and get it to the end of a sloping track as fast as possible.
Friction Reduction
In Pinewood Derby racing, reducing friction is crucial to maximize speed. Here are some tips mentioned in the article to achieve this:
Inspect Your Block: Make sure your block is not warped, as this can affect the car's performance. Place it on a flat surface and check for any rocking motion.
Make It Aerodynamic: Cutting your block into a wedge shape instead of a square can help reduce air drag and improve speed.
Taper the Bottom of Your Car at the Front: By tapering the bottom of your car at the front, you can prevent it from rubbing against the track as it becomes flat, reducing friction.
Lift One of the Front Wheels: If allowed in your competition, raising one front wheel can decrease friction. Determine which wheel to lift by sending your car down a straight line and observing which side it drifts towards.
Check Out Your Track Beforehand: Understanding the characteristics of the track, such as its steepness and any flat areas, can help you make adjustments to your car's design or weight distribution.
Max Out Your Weight: Most competitions have a maximum weight limit of five ounces. Adding weight to your car can increase its momentum. You can easily attach tiny metal weights to the car's body.
Add Weight to the Rear of the Car: Placing the heaviest part of your car about one inch in front of the rear axle increases potential energy. However, be careful not to place the weight too far back, as it can cause the car to "pop a wheelie."
Make Space for Weights: Leave at least 3/8 of an inch clearance between the bottom of the weight and the track.
Polish Your Nails and Axles: Reducing friction on the axles is essential. Polish them with sandpaper dipped in water. You can hold the nail in a drill and use sandpaper against it.
Pick the Straightest Axles: Straight axles are crucial for smooth rolling. Find the straightest nails by turning them in a drill and observing which ones wobble the least.
Align Axles: Misaligned wheels and axles can cause the car to drift against the side of the track, increasing friction. Test the alignment by pushing the car down a straight line and observing which way it veers. Adjust the axles accordingly.
Bend Axles to Reduce Friction and Help Alignment: If adjusting the axles doesn't solve the alignment issue, you may need to slightly bend one or more of the axles. Be gentle and use a vice and hammer to make small adjustments.
Polish Wheels: Smooth wheels reduce friction. Toothpaste or specialized plastic polish can be used to polish the wheels.
Lubricate Wheels and Axles: Apply lubricant, such as graphite powder, to the wheels and axles before attaching them to the car. This helps ensure smooth movement.
Don't Re-lubricate Between Races: Graphite powder works best after it has been broken in slightly. If you can, test your car before the next heat to ensure optimal performance.
Use Lighter Weight Wheels: If allowed in your competition, using lighter weight wheels can boost your car's speed.
Try Rail-Riding: Rail-riding involves modifying your car so that it contacts the guide rail with a wheel. This technique reduces oscillation and bouncing between guide rails. Adjusting the axles to make the car drift slightly toward the non-dominant or raised wheel can improve performance.
Narrow the Body on Your Rail Rider: Some experts recommend narrowing the front "dominant" side of the car slightly to prevent the rear wheel from touching the guide rail and reducing friction.
Decorating Your Car
In addition to performance, the appearance of your Pinewood Derby car is important. Here are some tips mentioned in the article for decorating your car:
Pick Your Shape: Trace the side of your block onto a piece of paper and plan the cuts needed to achieve your desired shape.
Prevent Cracking: Leave at least a quarter inch of wood on both sides of the axle slots to prevent cracking when inserting the axles.
Sand It Down: Use sandpaper to smooth the block of wood, creating a sleek surface. Coarse sandpaper can be used to round corners, while medium or fine-grit paper is suitable for the car's body.
Hide Wood Grain with Liquid Sanding Sealer: Apply multiple coats of liquid sanding sealer to hide the wood grain. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
Add Numbers or Decals: You can purchase numbers or decals from hobby stores or create your own. Ensure that the edges don't curl when sealing them with clear gloss.
Seal with Clear Gloss Paint: Once you are satisfied with the design, seal it with clear gloss paint. Spray can or brush-on sealants can be used.
Get a High Shine: Apply floor wax paste to cover the car and achieve a high shine. Make sure the paint has dried for several days before applying the wax.
Wheels and Axles: Only add the wheels and axles after finishing the painting process to avoid getting them covered in sealant and paint.
Theme Ideas
To add more fun and creativity to your Pinewood Derby car, you can choose a theme. Here are a few theme ideas mentioned in the article:
NASCAR, IndyCar, or Formula 1: Take inspiration from real-life race cars and model your car after your favorite driver or team.
Superhero-Inspired: Create a car based on your favorite superhero or superhero group like the Justice League or The Avengers.
Sports Team: Show your team spirit by decorating your car with your team's colors.
Video Game: Choose your favorite video game, such as Minecraft or Super Mario Brothers, and design your car accordingly.
Remember to check the rules and regulations of your specific Pinewood Derby competition to ensure that your modifications and decorations comply with the guidelines.
By following these tips and techniques, you can improve the performance and appearance of your Pinewood Derby car and impress the crowd on race day.