How to Design Derby Cars
Derby cars are enjoyed by all ages. A pinewood derby is an exciting event where participants get to race the cars they made with their own two hands. There are many factors to keep in mind when designing a derby car. They are limited by the size and weight they can be, so you must optimize every part of the car to make it the fastest on the track.
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Instructions
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1
On your graph paper draw a 7-by-1.5-inch rectangle. This will be the side of your derby car. Draw the basic shape of the side view of the car you desire. When designing this shape, keep in mind aerodynamics and make the front lower than the rear of the car. rear fins are a popular derby car design element that also add aerodynamic capabilities to your racer.
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2
Draw a second rectangle, this time 7 by 2.5 inches. This is the top view of your car. Draw any cut-outs you wish to add to your car such as a driver area.
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3
Draw another 7-by-2.5-inch rectangle and label this as the bottom of your car. Make a note of where your axles will be. The bottom of the car is where most of your weights will be added. In most derby car designs, the primary weights are placed in the front of the car with the secondary weights in the back. Decide if you will be recessing your weights into the body of the car or attaching them to the outside. If attaching to the outside, keep in mind the ground clearance of your derby car so that the weights will not cause drag.
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4
Use several sheets of graph paper and make at least three designs of your derby car. Compare the three designs side by side and choose your favorite elements of each and transfer them to a fourth sheet of paper. Refer to this fourth design sheet when making your derby car.
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Tips & Warnings
Be creative with your weights and use coins, fishing weights or BB shot instead of commercial weights.
Do not add all the weight to the front or your car may flip.
