Hi. New guy here. Just want to thank you for all the great information on this site. Here is my story…
Moved up to coastal northern California in February and saw that the local art center was having a pinewood derby race. I had built decent cars with my sons for YMCA Indian Guides in the mid 90s when speed information was harder to find.
So I decided to enter the race.
After surfing this site and a few others I felt I had a basic understanding of some key fundamentals for making pine move quickly. I bought some tuned legal wheels and did all the balancing, aligning, and stuff until I felt my two cars (+18 and unlimited) were race-ready.
The track was available to test on the day before the race so I did a few runs (only person there — odd) and had a nice rail-slide and a best time of 2.510 for a 35 foot track - not knowing if this was fast enough for the local guys who have been racing this track for years.
Race day. Pass inspection and take a seat for the show. My class is staged and the best times are around 2.68ish. I am thinking — my test times must have been a fluke. So I wait for my car to come up.
It scorched the pack causing an audible cheer from the audience as it laid down a track record and was 3 car lengths ahead and pulling away at the finish.
Fast forward: I won all heats and set track record for 5 oz cars. And won all heats and fastest overall with 2.501 for unlimited 13 oz car with new track record and breaking the 200mph with a 203. It was kinda embarrassing but still cool. Also picked up a most artistic award too.
I still have alot to learn. Starting next car for January race now. Thanks again for all the information. I will try to contribute to this forum as best as I can and look forward to learning more from you folks.
Regards
Bill
Moved up to coastal northern California in February and saw that the local art center was having a pinewood derby race. I had built decent cars with my sons for YMCA Indian Guides in the mid 90s when speed information was harder to find.
So I decided to enter the race.
After surfing this site and a few others I felt I had a basic understanding of some key fundamentals for making pine move quickly. I bought some tuned legal wheels and did all the balancing, aligning, and stuff until I felt my two cars (+18 and unlimited) were race-ready.
The track was available to test on the day before the race so I did a few runs (only person there — odd) and had a nice rail-slide and a best time of 2.510 for a 35 foot track - not knowing if this was fast enough for the local guys who have been racing this track for years.
Race day. Pass inspection and take a seat for the show. My class is staged and the best times are around 2.68ish. I am thinking — my test times must have been a fluke. So I wait for my car to come up.
It scorched the pack causing an audible cheer from the audience as it laid down a track record and was 3 car lengths ahead and pulling away at the finish.
Fast forward: I won all heats and set track record for 5 oz cars. And won all heats and fastest overall with 2.501 for unlimited 13 oz car with new track record and breaking the 200mph with a 203. It was kinda embarrassing but still cool. Also picked up a most artistic award too.
I still have alot to learn. Starting next car for January race now. Thanks again for all the information. I will try to contribute to this forum as best as I can and look forward to learning more from you folks.
Regards
Bill
