Recent content by Prozach2

My son did his science project on pinewood derby cars this year. We raced 27 different cars testing things like weight, length, COG, shape, etc. Then we ran a few cars combining everything that we learned. We didn't learn anything new that would help us build a faster car. I think the...

So, our lineup is complete. We’re starting with a basic block. Next, we have a shorter block which we’ll run with same weight and COG between axles to test impact of length. Assumption is, since height x weight = potential energy, longer car will go faster. Next, we’ll test weight. We’ve built a...

My son is doing a science project on the fastest possible shape for a pinewood derby car. Things we'll be looking at include: aerodynamics, weight placement, weight, and the basic shape of the car. We'll be testing the cars using the official boy scout pinewood derby rules. When we've completed...

You league guys correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not aware of a "bone" shaped car ever placing in a league pinewood derby race. I'd highly recommend looking at the 5kidsracing page on this website for an outstanding guide on building a smoking fast wedge car. If you're interested in falling...

Here's a video my son and I put together of his pack, pinewood derby. After the pack race, he competed against the local police department which he also won. The local police department is going to put his name on the big silver trophy in the video and put it in the police department. Special...

It did. My little guy worked very hard. The main lesson that we focused on through this was that “the juice is worth the squeeze.”

That’s awesome. In addition to being the fastest, I bet it was one of the best looking.

Last year, my older son was in his last year of cub scouts and my youngest son wasn’t in cub scouts but was competing in the sibling race. Both builds were virtually identical, but only my older son’s had the plastic fenders. The one with fenders was substantially faster. Now, of course, what...

Those are great looking cars!

Do you want to make the fenders? Buying fenders and gluing them on is a lot easier, and cuts down on the likelihood that your fenders will hurt more than help. I’ve noticed a lot of very bulky/heavy looking fenders at the Cub Scout races that probably hurt more than help b/c they’re putting so...

My youngest son won his pack race this weekend. Then they put his car up against the cars made by the local police department, and he won that too. In addition to getting a trophy for the pack and a medal for his den, he’s getting his name on a big trophy that will be on display at the police...

Years ago - before I discovered this site - I experimented with this. Ultimately, it will result in you putting more weight towards the front of the car which is the opposite of what you want. The car is gaining momentum while it's on the ramp, and slowing down while it's on the flat. So, having...

LOL, I spent my whole childhood trying to figure out how to get my model cars to look shiny like that. Sure wish I'd had the internet back then!

Hey Matt, Hope you guys are well. Looking for some new ways to add some speed. You mentioned that you did something to widen the axles. Our rules require us to use the axles out of the box, but they don't prevent us from modifying them. Could you tell me how you did it or point me in the...

Parker retired this year as the three time pack champion. My younger son, Cooper, starts next year. I'll probably have him in Union County. We had to switch counties to get away from Brian. Just joking Brian!