Six Pinewood Derby Racing Tips

Tip 1 - Protect your car. 

Handle your car very carefully.  Don't drop it, or you may break a wheel or knock the wheels out of alignment.  When not racing, store the car in a shoebox or other small box to protect it.  Put a sponge under the body to keep the weight off the wheels.  Don't let anyone else handle your car.  They might drop it!  Take extra wheels and axles to the Big Race in case of an "accident".

Tip 2 - Build a full-sized test track. 

It's not too hard to build your own backyard test track, with at least two lanes.  It's the only way to find out how fast your car will go before the Big Race.  Race it against your friend's cars!  Have fun!

Tip 3 - Build two cars If you are really serious about winning. 

Race them against each other (or against an electronic timer).  Select the fastest wheels, axles and bodies.

Tip 4 - Protect your best wheels. 

When you have found your fastest wheels, put them aside and don't use them until the Big Race.  It seems that the more a set of wheels are used, the slower the car goes.

Tip 5 - Center the car on the track. 

If you are allowed to place your own car on the track during the Big Race, be sure to place it right in the center of the track.  It should be headed straight down the track!

Tip 6 - Check your car weight.

Make sure that the weight of your car is right at the maximum the rules allow - usually 5 ounces.  If possible, check the weight on the official scales several days before the race.  Use small flat-headed wood screws in the bottom or rear of the body to add or subtract weight.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD RACING!