Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.
How much should a derby car weigh?
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ
In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.
How much does a derby car block weigh?
approximately 3.4 ounces
The standard pinewood derby block is approximately 7.0 inches long by 1.75 inches wide by 1.25 inches tall. It has a typical density of 0.0138 lbs/in3. The block is supplied unsanded with grooves cut on the bottom side to accept the axles. The blocks weigh approximately 3.4 ounces.
How much does stock Pinewood Derby car weigh?
The official Pinewood Derby car weighs about 3.5 ounces without any modifications. The wooden block is about 3.3 ounces, and the wheels and axles add about 0.2 ounces.
How do you weigh a derby car?
When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
Do heavier pinewood derby cars go faster?
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
What is the toughest derby car?
The Chrysler Imperial, ’64 through ’67, is the hardest car ever made for the general public. Most demolition derby competitions don’t allow it — it’s simply too powerful.
How much does a Derby jockey weigh?
108 to 118 lb
There are horse carrying weight limits that are set by racing authorities. The Kentucky Derby, for example, has a weight limit of 126 lb (57 kg) including the jockey’s equipment. The weight of a jockey racing on the flat usually ranges from 108 to 118 lb (49 to 54 kg).
Can you use washers as weights for Pinewood Derby car?
Common steel washers can also be used. They weigh much less than a fender washer, so they are best used for trim weighting. I have also used them on a “Speed Bolt” for an aesthetic look. There are several types of hardware that can readily be used for embedded weight.
Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of Pinewood Derby car?
Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8″ away from the axle slots.
Should you bake a Pinewood Derby car?
Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the weight of the car shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn’t go over the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You’ll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.
Is a shorter Pinewood Derby car faster?
The longer the wheel base, the greater the turning distance (a short car turns much more quickly than a long car).
Can you hollow out a Pinewood Derby car?
The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal that is securely fastened to the car body. 7. The wheel base (distance from front axle to the rear axle) may not be altered. The cut slots must be used for the axles and the wheel base distance must be 4-1/4 to 4 3/8 inches.
How heavy is a race car?
By rule, a Sprint Cup car must weigh 3,300 pounds. Where the weight of the driver is concerned, for every 10-pound increment below 180 pounds, 10 pounds of weight must be added to the car. So if a driver weighs between 170 and 179 pounds, the car must weigh 3,310 pounds to compensate.
What makes a derby car fast?
One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
How much does a racing car weigh?
While the entire F1 car should weigh no less than 798kg, the heaviest part of a Formula 1 car is the engine which must weigh a minimum of 150kg, whereas the lightest part is the steering wheel which weighs 1.3kg.
| Part | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chassis/Monocoque | No set weight |
| Halo | 7kg |
| Gearbox | Around 40kg |
| Steering wheel | Around 1.3kg |
Can you use wd40 on a pinewood derby car?
No wet lubricant is allowed.
What is the fastest pinewood derby Shape?
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Should you sand pinewood derby wheels?
In the past, pinewood derby wheels had a mold mark on the wheel tread that had to be removed by sanding. The new wheels no longer have a mold mark. Sanding can still help by removing variations in the wheel circumference making the wheel rounder but sanding is no longer as necessary as it was.
What car is banned from demolition derby?
1963 Chrysler Imperial “Barn Find” Is Why the Demolition Derby Ban Makes Sense. Back in the first half of the ’60s, the Imperial was already a stand-alone brand that Chrysler marketed as a luxury lineup of cars competing against Lincoln and Cadillac.
What car is not allowed in a demolition derby?
American & Foreign cars and station wagons allowed. NO limos, hearses, vans, jeeps, or trucks. NO 1974 or older Chrysler Imperials allowed. No 1974, or older Imperial sub-frames, 4X4s or ambulances.