Extended wheel base?

[derbydentist]

Hello this is my first post on here but I've known about derby dad 4 hire and the racing leagues for a while but my oldest son has just turned 8 and entered cub scouts so now it's go time! My race rules say just follow the rules in the box which opens up a lot of possibilities but my first question is I plan to extend the wheelbase but I don't see a lot of cars on here with the wheelbase extended completely to the opposite ends of the car. Should I put the axle holes as far as possible to the front and back without the wheels extending over of course or is there more advantage to leaving room in front for front fenders? Another question if I can squeeze it in here -is the ladder style body the fastest design?

 

[Rocket car]

Move the back wheels as far back as possible without them extending past the body. Most of us then run a wheel base between 4.5 and 5" . Fenders will add more speed too. Ladder design might add a tad more speed, but not worth the hassle for a scout race.

 

[derbydentist]

Thanks for the quick response! Do you think everyone does that wheel base because it is against the rules to extend it more in many of the race classes? (I don't know all the rules for the different classes- just guessing here). It seems like the further forward the front wheels the more stable the car will be and the more weight you can put in the back. I will probably hold off on the ladder design this first car- what is the see through red material on your car in the avatar picture is that monokote?

 

[Crash Enburn]

There isn't any wheelbase rule here. The 5-ish inch wheelbase leaves room at the front for fenders. The track is very smooth and very consistent, so you can get away with a rather aggressive tune (think CoM 1/2" in front of rear axles).

I believe that you are correct, Rocket's car is covered with monokote.

 

[derbydentist]

There isn't any wheelbase rule here. The 5-ish inch wheelbase leaves room at the front for fenders. The track is very smooth and very consistent, so you can get away with a rather aggressive tune (think CoM 1/2" in front of rear axles).

I believe that you are correct, Rocket's car is covered with monokote.

Excellent thank you!

 

[Rocket car]

Excellent thank you!

Haaaa..... They are index dividers that I found laying around. Very light!!

 

[derbydentist]

Haaaa..... They are index dividers that I found laying around. Very light!!

Nice- great idea!