Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets

The media could not be loaded. Awesome idea book for pinewood derby. We got our design somewhere else but used many of the tips in the book. My grandson won his age group and finished second overall in his first year!

I've added many the concepts in this book to my personal list of practices and procedures. We have gone undefeated for many years in the Awana Grand Prix. Following some of the concepts in this book will surely get you the evil eye from other people at the race you are winning!

Great book!

Has some good info. Come to find out though, most of the "secrets" in the book are against our pack's rules. I'd suggest to check your pack's rules before buying. If they're fairly restrictive, I'd pass on the book. If they're more lax, or you're building an outlaw car, there's some good tips in the book.

This is the most information packed book of Cub Scout Pinewood Derby guides. Start with this. I’m taking off one star because:1.) I followed the weight instructions to the letter and my car was one full ounce too light. I believe it is because the author used lead weights and I used tungsten; and2.) The measurements in the text to draw the wedge shape would result in a different measurement that what the schematic shows as measurement. The author writes to measure so far down from the front, then so far down from the back, then use a straight edge to connect the measurements and draw the saw line...if you follow that, you’ll have a far steeper wedge than what’s shown in the schematic. I followed the schematic: perhaps why I was an ounce off was because I made a less steep wedge, yet my car matched the cars in the photos.Special features:I can’t recommend enough the tip of gluing in the axles. I was concerned that the officials would want to see the axles so I left them unglued, but the wheels got loose after the first flight. If you don’t extend the wheels but use the pre-cut slots, the officials will still be able to see the axles and one may still be able to glue them. I bought the gadget that allows you to pull them out even with glue.Don’t forget, most competitions have prizes for best theme, best “funny car”, etc, so don’t be afraid to skip the speed and go for unique. I saw a Star Wars homemade car and it was fantastic...Second best tip: get two kits and have the adult build their own and have the scout follow. Otherwise, the adult (me) will take over...completely missing the point.

Great book. Lots of information about how to build the car and all the tricks. If you are lookin to have a edge in the race pick up this book. Easy read.

I you are ready to move up to the big boys derby racing this is the book. Easy read, lots of ideas, and remember....pine wood derby is about spending time with your son!

Best guide available to quickly and easily build a fast derby car that also meets all BSA guidelines. Get it!