Pinewood Speed Tips

Lubrication

• Lubrication is one of the easiest ways to increase the speed of a Pinewood Derby car. Check the contest's official rules before choosing your lubrication. Most clubs or Cub Scout groups allow graphite powder. Some allow oil-based lubricants, such as Nyoil. Sprinkle graphite powder around the wheel wells, where the wheels meet the axle, and also on the wood directly next to the wheels. Or rub Nyoil into the area where the wheels meet the axle.

Wheels

• Most clubs require you to use the wheels that come with the block of wood. However, some slight modifications can improve the car's speed. Sand or file down all bumps and uneven edges on the wheels. Polish the inside and bottom of the wheels with graphite powder. Try aligning the wheels so only three touch the ground. This reduces the amount of friction the car encounters as it moves down the track.

Axle

• Axle alignment is tricky and extremely important. Typically, the axles on Pinewood Derby cars are common nails. These nails slide into slots drilled into the bottom of the car base. The trick is to align the axles as straight as possible. Conduct a few trial runs before gluing the axles into place. Make a mini track made from a piece of wood and a couple of books stacked on top of each other. Roll the car down the track. If the car falls off the track, straighten the axles more. Or roll the car on a flat floor and note any pulling to one side or the other. Adjust the axles until they are straight and glue into place.

Back Weight

• The more weight there is in the back of your Pinewood Derby car, the faster the car will travel. Try to create a car design that is thicker in the back than at the tip. Add weights to the back of the car, instead of the front, to produce a car that glides quickly down the track.