2nd in derby - prep for district

[jojo]

We got 2nd and are going to district race. Can't modify car but can graphite. What is recommended to improve time and close gap on number 1 car which is really fast. Seems like everybody is playing for 2nd???
Thanks in advance

 

[Vitamin K]

Jojo:

Please share some specs on:

- Your District rules
- Your son's current build specificatons

 

[Cubscout Dad]

Was in the same boat last year and all I did was polish the beJesus out of the axles and took 2nd and 6th at districts and beat cars that beat me at the pack race.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

Make sure and clean the treads of the wheels.

 

[jojo]

Vitamin K,
We did ext wheel base, no major mods on wheels, graphite only, bsa kit box only, etc. Our axels are glued in so can't really polish them anymore/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif

 

[ngyoung]

Make sure and clean the treads of the wheels.

^this. I even took a sheet of 4k grit paper, layed it flat on a table, set car on it, and gently hand turned each wheel one at a time to make sure the riding edge didn't get any bumps from knicks or debris embedded in it.

How did the car ride down the track? Did it get any wiggles? If it got the wiggles you could tune the steer a little more. If it rode smooth though, without a practice session you won't know if you are helping or hurting. How aggressive did you go with the COM?