Building a fast pinewood derby car without specialized tools might seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible. This article details a simple yet effective method to improve your car’s performance by strategically drilling axle holes, allowing your car to “rail ride” and gain a competitive edge.
This technique focuses on subtly shifting the car body’s alignment relative to the axles. Instead of using a commercial axle bender, we achieve a similar effect by drilling angled axle holes. The key is to offset the front of the car body by 1/16th of an inch relative to the rear.
The process begins by drilling the dominant front wheel (DFW) axle hole perpendicular to the car body. This ensures the DFW engages firmly with the track rail. The remaining three axle holes are then drilled at a slight angle, maintaining parallelism with each other. This angle is calculated based on a 1/16th inch offset over the car’s wheelbase, resulting in an approximately 3/4 degree incline. This subtle angling allows the car body to lean slightly, guiding the DFW into the rail.
While the car body is offset, the car will still track straight without the DFW attached. Once the DFW is installed, the car naturally leans into the rail. Testing on a board with an attached measuring stick confirms this. In our tests, the DFW consistently contacted the measuring stick, leaving a small gap between the stick and the rear wheel behind it. This indicates consistent rail riding.
This method, combined with axle polishing, offers a promising way to enhance speed without specialized tools. While real-world track testing is pending, the initial results are encouraging. The true test will be at the upcoming council races. This simple adjustment could be the key to achieving a faster pinewood derby car. The technique relies on precise drilling and careful measurement, demonstrating that ingenuity and attention to detail can be just as effective as specialized equipment.
