Pinewood Derby Times
Volume 6, Issue 11
February 21, 2007
In this Edition:

- Editor's Notes

- Feature Article - Points or Times: Which Method Should I Use?

- Speed Tip

- Newsletter Subscriber Specials

- Car Showcase

- Memory - Never Too Late to Start

- Q&A

Editor's Notes
Reader Feedback
From Randy Lisano:

I did find one new use for those using video replay ("Utilizing Video Systems in Your Race" - Volume 6, Issue 10, February 7, 2007). We used it for our recent derby to determine where on the track we had a car pop partially out of its lane. We went frame by frame to see where it occurred and then were able to go to that spot on the track and check things out. So, it can also be used for video forensics by us CSI wanabees!

Stock Car Pre-Cut Kit
Do you want to go for the NASCAR look? Then take a look at our pre-cut stock car kit. Just add weight, sand, and paint. The Stock Car Kit is the Newsletter Special for the next four weeks.

Great Entertainment!
The Special Scouting Edition DVD of "Down and Derby" makes a great Pack viewing event! Pinewood derby enthusiasts everywhere with enjoy this outrageous pinewood derby comedy that transforms an average group of dads into an awkward bunch of competitors. Click Here to purchase the DVD.

Can We Help? If we can help you in any way with your pinewood derby project, or if you have any feedback regarding this newsletter, please contact us at: info@maximum-velocity.com

3/16" Tungsten Cubes
Special Price

We made a large buy of 3/16" Tungsten Cubes and are offering them to you at a special price. Great for making thin cars! You can get these cubes by Clicking Here

Maximum Velocity: The Movie

Nothing beats seeing a car built from start to finish! In this 52 minute video, you and Chris (the boy in the video) will learn how to build a winning car from Chris' Dad (played by Randy Davis, champion car builder and owner of Maximum Velocity!). You will learn:

Techniques to get the most speed out of your car kit.

How to use the various basic and advanced tools, and how to use them effectively.

Ways to let your child do most of the work, but give them a hand when they really need it.

A time-proven, step-by-step car building process that really works.

You can find the video by Clicking Here

Feature Article

Points or Times: Which Method Should I Use?

Life used to be simple. Only a few TV channels to choose from, no Starbucks to give us multiple coffee options, and pinewood derby winners were decided by elimination. But since humans thrive on innovation, we now have lots of channels and coffee choices, and we have other options for running pinewood races.

I for one am pleased that other options exist for deciding pinewood derby winners. For years we used a double-elimination method. I tried very hard to make the race fair, but I realized that issues existed. Although reasonably simple to implement, elimination methods are fraught with problems, and - unless very carefully implemented - are not very fair (see Volume 3, Issue 7 - "Elimination Methods - Let's Make Some Improvements").

So, when I discovered Points racing, our organization quickly shifted over to that method. At the time, we had a finish line judge, but it was not a timer, so there was no debate as to whether to use Points or Times; Points was the only choice.

Then we replaced the finish line judge with a timer, and integrated the timer with the Grand Prix Race Manager software. By the magic of software, we could now use Points or Times, and - after the race - dynamically switch back and forth to compare the two methods.

I first did this comparison for our 2004 race. We were using Points and each car ran once in each lane. The top finishers then advanced to a finals round (we advanced 10 car). In the finals my son's car ended up taking fourth place. This seemed strange to me, for as I watched the heats I expected him to take third place.

So after the race, I did a little investigation and discovered that, by average heat time, his car was actually the third-fastest car. How did he end up in fourth place? This happened because of the race mix in the finals.

If each car had raced against every car the same number of times, then the heat mix would not matter. But my son's car ended up racing against the two fastest cars more than the third place car. So, he accumulated fewer points than the third place car, thus taking fourth place.

When I made this discovery, my first thought was, "Next year we are going to use Times!" But later, I decided that making a rash decision wasn't the wisest move. So, I did some investigation regarding the two methods, the result of which I will now share with you.

Defining Points Vs. Times
Just to make sure we are all thinking the same thing, let's define Points and Times.

The Points method uses a preset race schedule (we use Perfect-N), wherein each car races the same number of times in each lane, and races against as many other cars as possible. The results of each heat are recorded, with points assigned based on the finish order. Points can be assigned as 4, 3, 2, 1 for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places (high points wins), or 1, 2, 3, and 4 points for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places (low points wins). The points are then totaled and the winners decided.

The Times method uses a preset race schedule, wherein each car races the same number of times in each lane. Generally, the cars race against as many other cars as possible, but the heat mix does not affect the outcome. The heat times are accumulated, and then trophies are awarded based on the lowest cumulative time, or lowest average time.

Points - Advantages/Disadvantages
Let's first look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Points method.

Advantages

Does not require a timer.

The audience can 'validate' the heat results by seeing that the finish order on the scoreboard matches what they witnessed. This leads to higher audience confidence.

The eventual winner of the race is not obvious, and cannot be decided until the heats are completed (with Times, the audience can oftentimes pick out the fastest car by watching the timer results). This leads to more excitement and anticipation at the race.

Heat placement is meaningful. A car must place well in the heats in order to place well overall (with Times, heat placement is largely irrelevant).

A poor heat only slightly penalizes a car (with Times, a slow heat oftentimes eliminates the car from any chance of winning).

If the operator running the start gate causes a slow heat (which can happen with the older style gates), the results are still valid as the heat time is irrelevant. With Times, the heat would need to be rerun (if the problem was detected).

Disadvantages

More heats are required. With Times, only 1 heat per lane is required to determine the trophy winners. With Points, depending on the number of cars, an additional round (or more) will likely be needed to accurately give out the trophies.

Heat mix affects the results. As described earlier, if scheduled to race against predominantly faster cars, a given car will be penalized.

Times - Advantages/Disadvantages
Now, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Times method.

Advantages

Fewer heats are required - only 1 heat per lane.

Heat mix does not affect the results.

Disadvantages

Requires a timer.

The audience cannot 'validate' the heat results. The timer must be trusted to accurately capture each heat.

The final winner can sometimes be determined by the audience by simply watching the timer results.

The finish order within a given heat (or set of heats) is largely irrelevant. For example, if a car is scheduled to race against slower cars, that car can win every heat, and still not win a trophy. (How do you explain to a child that although their car never lost, they didn't win?)

A poor heat significantly penalizes a car. To rectify this, the slowest heat can be eliminated before cumulating or averaging the heats.

On some tracks operator error can significantly affect times. A fool-proof starting gate is a must for this method of scoring.

Conclusion
After this analysis, I decided to stick with the Points method for our local race. I believe this method has fewer problems and is more easily understood and accepted by the participants and their parents.

However, I concede that the Times method has a place. If your race involves a large number of cars, then the Times method can greatly increase the speed of the event. Large events such as district or regional championship commonly use a Times method for scoring the race. But if you choose to use a Times method, make sure that the method is clearly explained to the participants.

Speed Tip
Locking the wheels in place

After aligning the wheels of your car, glue the axles in place using a small amount of white glue placed between the axle tips. Smooth the glue over the slot, keeping it away from the wheels, then wipe off any excess, and allow the glue to dry before moving the car.

Epoxy can also be used, but once it dries it is very difficult to ever remove the axles. With white glue, you can remove the axles by grasping an axle head with a pair of pliers, then twisting and pulling the axle.

Do not use a thin glue such as super glue. The glue may run down the axle and into the wheels, causing the wheels to become glued to the axles (bad news).

BSA is now offering a device to hold the axles in place. I haven't tried the device, but since it hangs below the car, it could cause a problem when the car reaches the stop section. It will also add to the front profile of the car, reducing aerodynamics.

Speed Tips, Web Site or Product Reviews? If you have a speed or construction tip, a web site review, or a product review that you would like to share, please send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com

If your submission is used, you will receive a $10 coupon in May of 2007. Don't worry about literary polish. We will edit it as needed before publishing. Also, please read our Submission Policy.

Special Offers for Newsletter Subscribers

Drill Mount
$2.00 off
Now a convenient way to clamp your drill to a work surface when working on wheels and axles!

Adjustable Size to fit virtually any hand drill.

Dual Mounting Positions provide flexibility to meet your work environment.

Swivel Base allows the drill to lock in at any angle.

For more information on the Drill Mount, Click Here.

but make sure to Purchase Here

Stock Car Kit
$2.00 off
This pre-cut kit effectively mimics the styling of a NASCAR entry. Just sand, paint, and apply 1/24 scale decals for you favorite driver.

For more information, Click Here

but make sure to Purchase Here

These specials are valid through March 6, 2007.

Car Showcase

Hot Dog: Ron Bosma

I have 2 boys who have since grown out of Cub Scouts and the pinewood derby. But for several years our family looked foreword to our annual fun. We couldn't build just 2 cars; we also had to build one each for my wife and I. This helped me get over the urge to help Alex and Greg too much with their creations.

Another leader and I always had a fun race after the boys were through. The pack would challenge each other and us until it was time to leave. Over the years we got better and better thanks to your newsletter, tools, and tips. Throughout the years we have built race cars, space shuttles, a dog car, a porcupine, and even a shark. With this hot dog car I ignored aerodynamics altogether to get a fun design. It wasn't the fastest car that year, but the kids loved it and it ran respectable times. We have a lot of great pinewood derby memories and still really enjoy reading about other peoples experiences in the Pinewood Derby Times. Thanks Maximum Velocity!

Scooby-Doo: Kyle McInerney

This is my son's second year Pinewood derby car. He was into Scooby-Doo more than anything. Scooby won best design and 4th out of 10 Tigers. It may not have been the fastest, but to my son it's the best car ever.

Speeder: Bob Drag

In 2006, Glenn's (my son's) car placed 3rd out of 29 Tigers. This year, I asked him what his goal would be - looks or speed. He enthusiastically chose speed - he didn't really care whether it looked good! So after researching car designs he fell in love with the look of 'The Speeder'. After numerous hours of prep work, sanding the body, axle polishing, wheel prep, and weight placement to find the optimum center of gravity - that required all of Dad's patience - we got the car put together. At the Pack race Glenn's car placed 1st out of 21 Wolves, and the icing on the cake was that he also won 1st Place for the Best Car Design. Now, we're off to the Council races!

Share Your Pinewood Derby Car Creation Do you have a car you would like to 'show off' to our readers? If so, send us a photo of your car along with a brief description of any special features. Also, please include your full name. If selected, we will include the photo and description in this newsletter.Please e-mail photos to:
info@maximum-velocity.com.

Photos must be sent by e-mail in JPG format (minimum size of 640x480 - maximum size of 1280 x 960). Please shoot photos from the front left of the car, similar to the orientation of the cars shown above.

Send only one photo per car, unless an additional photo is needed to adequately show a feature. Also, only one car per subscriber please. Thanks!

Pinewood Derby Memory

Never too Late to Start

This was my first pinewood derby as a Dad. Due to lots of time constraints (Christmas break, where we went out of town, a science fair project for school that had concurrent preparatory time as the as pinewood derby, life in general, etc.) we started way too late, like the Thursday before the race. About the only thing that saved the day was that I had the forethought to subscribe to the Maximum Velocity newsletter in November!

Anyway, when installing the weights I accidentally splintered the wood severely, enough that it was beyond repair. Luckily, my son had selected a wedge-shaped car and still had enough wood to make another car out of the other half of the wood block. Obviously, the axle slots were not cut, but we went ahead anyway. My son sanded, painted, and put the pin stripes on the car. Then he helped polish the axles and wheels. We didn't wet sand as my wife had already thought that I had gone "Down and Derby", and I didn't need to give her any more fuel for that fire! I hand drilled the axle holes, which I know is blasphemous, but it was my only choice. We lubricated with McLube Sailkote, since I had some for my sailboat. The wheels spun for a long time. After a rough alignment check we were ready.

At the weigh-in we started heavy, but got it down to 5.0 ounces. Since we had started so late I really had no hope, especially since there were no local rules published, and I saw lots of kit cars and speed wheels (no outlaw wheels, however) among the entrants.

After the first heat, my son and I got hopeful. As the heats wore on, and his friends slowly got eliminated, he got more excited. We made it to the 5th heat, where there were only 6 cars competing, before we were eliminated. So, out of 31 entrants, my son was tied for 5th. He was a little disappointed, but still very happy to have finished where he did.

Next year, we're starting earlier; and we are buying the Pro-Body Tool!!

Christopher Brown

Share Your Pinewood Derby Memory! I am sure there are many stories to share. Please jot down your humorous, unusual, sad, or heart-warming pinewood derby tale and send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com

If your memory is used, you will receive a $10 coupon in May of 2007.

Don't worry about literary polish. We will edit as needed. Also, please read our Submission Policy

Q&A

Do you have any information related to Royal Ranger pinewood derby cars?

Are you using this kit (click on the photo for a larger picture)?

If so, then Click Here for some kit help. Also, the 5148 Pro-Body Tool is made for this kit. Additionally, here is an article on Aligning the Royal Ranger Kit

What would BSA wheels do if they were run inside-out? Would the outside side wall be smoother when hitting the guide rail, or would the car jump off the track?

I haven't tried running them inside out, however, I think the performance would be much worse:

The sidewall of the wheel would rub on the car body, which would be worse than the inside hub rubbing on the body.

The raised lettering would cause more drag on the guide rail and car body than would the inside edge of the wheel.

As you indicate, there might also be a tendency for the car to climb the rail.

If you try it, let know how it goes.

Would you be able to direct me to a design for an alligator car? We're going all out this year, but are having trouble finding anything alligator oriented (at least something without an extended tail).

Here is an Alligator Car that looks good and would be relatively easy to build (car designed by Greg Walters).

Also, we do offer a Gator Body Skin (part 5324), and a Gator Decal Sheet. (part 5354).

I think the car in the photo with the Gator Body Skin would be a good compromise between design and performance.

Do You Have Questions that Need Answers? Do you have a pinewood derby-related question? If so, send your question to: info@maximum-velocity.com. We answer all questions by e-mail, but not every question will appear in the Q&A section of the newsletter.

Back Issues

Are you a new subscriber, or have you missed some of the previous newsletters? Don't miss out! All of the issues for Volumes 5 and 6 are posted on our web site:

Volume 6

Volume 6, Issue 1

Volume 6, Issue 2

Volume 6, Issue 3

Volume 6, Issue 4

Volume 6, Issue 5

Volume 6, Issue 6

Volume 6, Issue 7

Volume 6, Issue 8

Volume 6, Issue 9

Volume 6, Issue 10

Volume 6, Issue 11

Volume 5

Volume 5, Issue 1

Volume 5, Issue 2

Volume 5, Issue 3

Volume 5, Issue 4

Volume 5, Issue 5

Volume 5, Issue 6

Volume 5, Issue 7

Volume 5, Issue 8

Volume 5, Issue 9

Volume 5, Issue 10

Volume 5, Issue 11

Volume 5, Issue 12

Volume 5, Issue 13

Volume 5, Issue 14

Volume 5, Issue 15

Issues from the four previous seasons are available in four formatted volumes, ready for immediate download. To find out more, Click Here.

Newsletter Contributions

We welcome your contributions! If you would like to contribute an article, a web site review, or a speed tip, please send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com.

Please read our submission policy.

Subscription Information

The Pinewood Derby Times is a free e-newsletter focused on the Pinewood Derby. It is published bi-weekly from October through April.

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Randy Davis, Editor, Pinewood Derby Times
E-Mail: info@maximum-velocity.com

Copyright ©2007, Randy Davis. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or place this newsletter on your web site without explicit permission. However, if you like this newsletter we grant permission, and encourage you to e-mail it to a friend.

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