car style, waffer vs "bone" shape

[Keith nv]

Hello, wondering how the bone shaped cars compare to the thin flat style? For our last race, we ran this "bone" shaped car. It's not the prettiest, but jr was very proud of his work. Next year for tigers, we'll build a more polished car.

thank!!!
Keith

 

[T-Bone Racing]

Most, if not all pro racers will say a thin, flat car will be better, and I agree. I’m not sure what the exact difference is, but I know that it is enough that the bone shaped car will slow you down compared to a 1/4 inch plank that is sloped down in the front. .

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

Any shape you put to the car has a negative aerodynamic effect. The thin square sided cars are the best.

 

[Eric Scheid]

I wanted something like that to work when we started and completely agree with what the experts above say. The bone shape may also be more finicky to tune and stay consistent. For us, until we started racing beyond locally, nothing other than steering, axle and wheel prep really mattered. So build what looks fun. But if you want to learn from the best follow what DD4H and TBone suggest.

 

[Brian Stanley]

With the bone shaped car you're moving the same air out of the way twice, this is why flat and thin is the way to go.

 

[Loud2ns]

Thin planks are faster and easier to make. Perhaps talk about the speed differences and go from there. If he likes the dog bone there's nothing wrong with running that. It just leaves a bit of speed on the table and not on the track.

 

[Keith nv]

thank you everyone for the replies. next year, it's a thin car. He would prob like it more. More space to decorate

 

[Mojo Racing]

one of the things I do with the cubs that I coach... I cut Cricut vinyl in 7" x 1-3/4" pieces and let them color the piece. That is the graphic for their cars... They have gotten pretty clever with their designs... then they color the sides of the car (not much left there) to match... They really have a great time with that...

All done with sharpies... takes a lot less time too!

 

[Hangtime]

Do you know if there is an inkjet printable vinyl film?

 

[Prozach2]

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 farther down the rabbit hole, look up the videos and tips on here on building a ladder car.

 

[T-Bone Racing]

I haven’t even seen one in a league race for a while now.

 

[Brian Stanley]

I haven’t even seen one in a league race for a while now.

Last one I saw came in last place!

 

[Mojo Racing]

Do you know if there is an inkjet printable vinyl film?

I use Cricut Explore. It is a printable vinyl, and I use it in my Epson inkjet printer all of the time.

I get it from JoAnn Fabrics.

 

[Hangtime]

Thanks, mojo. That’s just what I’m looking for. I’ll check it out.