What Can I Use To Add Weight To Pinewood Derby Car

There are some questions that have plagued mankind since the beginning of recorded history:

Why are we here?
What'south the ultimate respond to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything?
Where should I identify my weights on my Pinewood Derby motorcar?

While we can't help yous with the beginning 2, here'south what we know about the third.

MAX OUT YOUR Car'S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ

Beginning, the nuts: Your car should counterbalance as much as it's allowed. In nearly races, a Pinewood Derby car's weight is limited to v ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.

As far as where you should attach those weights to your car … well, let'southward just say opinions differ.

PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK

Science says the heaviest role of your auto should exist about one inch in forepart of the rear axle. The thought is that the farther dorsum the weight is, the more potential energy you lot have considering your center of mass is higher up on the track. (Don't put information technology too far back, or your Pinewood Derby machine will go unstable and popular a wheelie.)

Our expert says if y'all exercise this correctly, you lot will beat a Pinewood Derby automobile built exactly the same — except with the weight toward its front — past four.vi car lengths.

That's a lot of motorcar lengths.

And you tin't fence with science, right?

PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE FRONT

Well, we've heard from multiple field testers who claim that they've finished near the top of multiple Pinewood Derby races past placing the majority of their weight near the front of the automobile.

The idea hither is that putting the weight near the front of the car gives it the tiniest chip of "caput get-go" over a car with its weight near the rear. Or, perhaps placing the weight on the front of the car — in these cases, at to the lowest degree — forces the automobile to ride smoother downwardly the track.

And so where should you place your weights on your Pinewood Derby car? The ultimate reply is: It depends on who you ask. Our advice: Put your weight wherever you want, and spend virtually of your time polishing your axles. That'due south a great style to reduce drag and increment your speed.

Good luck!