| |
|
Build a
Pinewood Derby Car
that Reaches ...
Pinewood Derby
Products
 Speed to the Finish!
The most complete source for pinewood derby speed tips and techniques on the market today!
Kits & Blocks
Pre-cut pinewood derby car kits, blocks, bulk kits, and more.
Wheels & Axles
Speed wheels, speed axles, competition components, and more!
Pinewood Derby Weight
Tungsten, lead, and steel weight for your pinewood derby car.
Specialty Tools
Unique and innovative tools to get the maximum speed from your car!
Speed Supplies
Pinewood derby polishing supplies, lubes, and more!
Pinewood Car Plans
Detailed car plans, with templates and step-by-step instructions.
Decals, Etc.
Decals, Accessories, Finishing Supplies, DerbyDome, and more!
Race Management
Pinewood derby software, gauges, and more!
Why purchase from
Maximum Velocity?
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Subscribe to the Pinewood Derby Times
Maximum Velocity issues a free pinewood derby-oriented e-newsletter entitled the Pinewood Derby Times. The e-newsletter is published every other week from October to March.1
Each edition contains:
Feature article Answers to questions from our readers Speed tip or a web site review Reader submitted car photos and more!
The e-newsletter is absolutely free, and you may cancel your subscription at any time.
Click here to view the current edition - March 6, 2013
Feature:
Car Showcase
Click Here For An Index of All Newsletter Articles
To subscribe to the Pinewood Derby Times, simply type your e-mail address into the area below and press the 'Subscribe' button.
After pressing the subscribe button, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. To complete the subscription you must reply to the confirmation e-mail.
Note on Spam Filters
Most e-mail programs allow you to designate your friends and opt-in newsletters in a "good", "approved", "safe", or "white" list. This makes sure that the e-mails don't get dumped into the Bulk Mail category or filtered out by spam filters. To ensure that you receive the Pinewood Derby Times, please add:
info@maximum-velocity.com
(which is the return address for our newsletters) to your e-mail program's approved list.
1The e-newsletter is delivered in plain text. A link to a formatted version is included in the newsletter for those who prefer to read a formatted (html) version with your web browser.
|
Free Car Plan
The Stealth
By subscribing to the Pinewood Derby Times, access to download plans for the Stealth will be provided absolutely free. Simply subscribe as indicated to the left, and follow the instructions for downloading.
|
Missed an edition? Get the first 60 editions today!
Click Here to See the Content of Each Volume
Click Here to See the Content of Each Volume
All of the articles, speed tips, site reviews, memories, and Q&A's from the first 60 issues in nicely formatted PDF files.
2030
Volume 1
Issues 1 to 15
$2.93
Immediate Download
2040
Volume 2
Issues 16 to 30
$2.94
Immediate Download
2050
Volume 3
Issues 31 to 45
$2.95
Immediate Download
2080
Volume 4
Issues 46 to 60
$2.96
Immediate Download
|
|
Pinewood Derby Times Index
The Most Complete Collection of Pinewood Derby Writings Anywhere!
All of the issues for Volumes 5 through 11 are posted on our web site. Issues from the four previous seasons are available in four formatted volumes, ready for immediate download. Click on the title of the article to access that article.
| Article Name |
Date |
Volume |
Issue |
| Aerodynamics |
|---|
| The Big Debates Part 5 - Aerodynamics | January 21, 2004 | 3 | 9 |
| Turbulators | February 23, 2011 | 10 | 11 |
| Wind Tunnel Testing | January 25, 2006 | 5 | 9 |
| Aesthetics |
|---|
| Decals Etc. - How to Spiff Up Your Car | March 6, 2013 | 12 | 12 |
| Don't Forget the Car Parts | February 6, 2013 | 12 | 10 |
| For an Eye-catching Pinewood Derby Car, Give the Dremel(R) a Spin! - by T. Dean White | March 17, 2004 | 3 | 13 |
| Looking Good! Techniques for Finishing Your Car | November 30, 2011 | 11 | 5 |
| The Ultimate Finish - How to Create a Beautiful Paint Job - by Kevin Baugher | January 07, 2004 | 3 | 8 |
| Axles |
|---|
| Axle Installation Made Easy | November 16, 2005 | 5 | 4 |
| Axles: Nails or Precision Parts? | January 09, 2002 | 1 | 8 |
| Canted Axles Revisited | January 7, 2009 | 8 | 8 |
| The Big Debates Part 4: Canted Axles | December 10, 2003 | 3 | 6 |
| Grooved Axles
| December 10, 2008 | 8 | 6 |
| Preparing Nail Axles
| January 12, 2013 | 12 | 8 |
| Working with Needle Axles
| January 13, 2010 | 9 | 8 |
| Upgrading Needle Axles
| November 13, 2012 | 12 | 4 |
| Car Body |
|---|
| Car Build Progression
| December 26, 2007 | 7 | 7 |
| Creating "The King"
| January 27, 2010 | 9 | 9 |
| Designing a Car From Scratch | October 05, 2005 | 5 | 1 |
| Designing the Car Body for Performance | November 28, 2001 | 1 | 5 |
| Scaling Up: Design a Pinewood Derby Car from a Toy Car | March 07, 2007 | 6 | 12 |
| Scaling Up Part 2: Design a Pinewood Derby Car from a Toy Car | February 20, 2008 | 7 | 11 |
| Transforming that Block into the Ultimate Derby Car | October 31, 2001 | 1 | 3 |
| Whoops! Fixing damaged cars | March 31, 2009 | 8 | 14 |
| General Interest |
|---|
| 21st Century Changes Pinewood Derby Racing | January 25, 2012 | 11 | 9 |
| Ten Commandments of Pinewood Derby Racing - Updated | October 06, 2010 | 10 | 1 |
| Car Collection on the Move - by Todd Paxson | April 04, 2007 | 6 | 14 |
| Displaying Your Pinewood Derby Car | March 06, 2002 | 1 | 12 |
| Google and the Pinewood Derby | February 8, 2010 | 9 | 10 |
| How to (almost) Win the Pinewood Derby | November 16, 2011 | 11 | 4 |
| How Has Pinewood Derby Racing Changed? | March 09, 2005 | 4 | 12 |
| Lisano Enterprises Company Profile | December 14, 2011 | 11 | 6 |
| Maximum Velocity History and Photo Tour | December 12, 2007 | 7 | 6 |
| New Directions Company Profile | December 29, 2010 | 10 | 7 |
| Pinewood Derby Adventures Come Full Circle - by Matthew D. Keenan | April 14, 2004 | 3 | 15 |
| Pinewood Derby Kit History | March 19, 2007 | 7 | 13 |
| Pinewood Derby Glossary Part 1 | October 19, 2005 | 5 | 2 |
| Pinewood Derby Glossary Part 2 | November 30, 2005 | 5 | 5 |
| Pinewood Derby Myths | March 4, 2009 | 8 | 12 |
| Pinewood Derby Time | April 16, 2008 | 7 | 15 |
| Pinewood Racing: A Matter of Time - by Arin and Michael Lastufka (short story) | April 02, 2003 | 2 | 14 |
| Revell Enters the Pinewood Derby Market | March 10, 2010 | 9 | 12 |
| The Big Rig Kit | March 9, 2011 | 10 | 12 |
| The Derby Worx Story - by Bill Launius | January 21, 2009 | 8 | 9 |
| The Legend of the Pinewood Derby - by Don Murphy | March 19, 2003 | 2 | 13 |
| The Making of the MV Wheel | January 11, 2012 | 11 | 8 |
| The Pinewood Derby Bling-Mobile | March 7, 2012 | 11 | 12 |
| Tidbits of Wisdom - by Michelle Mitchell | February 6, 2008 | 7 | 10 |
| Think Safety while Building Your Car | October 3 2007 | 7 | 1 |
| Unusual Tracks | November 26, 2008 | 8 | 5 |
| What is Maximum Velocity? - by Michael Lastufka (mathematical treatise on top performance) | April 05, 2006 | 5 | 14 |
| Your First Taste of Victory or Defeat - By Rob Krider | April 07, 2010 | 9 | 14 |
| Lubrication |
|---|
| Graphite on the Tread | October 15, 2008 | 8 | 2 |
| Liquid Lube Testing | November 17, 2009 | 9 | 4 |
| Lubricant Testing | February 4, 2009 | 8 | 10 |
| Lubricant Testing - Part 2 | March 21, 2012 | 11 | 13 |
| Lubrication: Slicker is Better | February 08, 2012 | 11 | 10 |
| The Big Debates Part 3 Continued: Dry Lube Experiments | November 12, 2003 | 3 | 4 |
| The Big Debates Part 3: Liquid vs. Dry Lubricants | October 01, 2003 | 3 | 1 |
| The Elusive Best Lubricant - by Michael Lastufka (general discussion of lubes) | December 26, 2001 | 1 | 7 |
| Outlaw Racing |
|---|
| Top Fuel Cars: CO2 Car | March 18, 2009 | 8 | 13 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Direct Drive | October 29, 2008 | 8 | 3 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Improved Propeller Car | December 1, 2010 | 10 | 5 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Propeller Car | April 18, 2007 | 6 | 15 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Propeller Car Evolution | December 26, 2013 | 12 | 7 |
| Top Fuel Cars: My CO2 Car | November 4, 2009 | 9 | 3 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Rocket, Rubber Band, and More | January 10, 2007 | 6 | 8 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Two-Wheeled Cars | April 2, 2008 | 7 | 14 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Two-Wheeled Cars Revisited | April 6, 2011 | 10 | 14 |
| Top Fuel Cars: Wheel Bearings | November 01, 2006 | 6 | 3 |
| Performance |
|---|
| Advice to the Beginner - Keep it Simple! | October 7, 2009 | 9 | 1 |
| Cheater Bars - Do They Work? | October 20, 2010 | 10 | 2 |
| Don't Do That! Techniques to Avoid | December 16, 2009 | 9 | 6 |
| Effect of Track Configuration on Car Performance | January 24, 2007 | 6 | 9 |
| Eliminating Race Variation | February 20, 2013 | 12 | 11 |
| Feelers: Do they Work? | December 27, 2006 | 6 | 7 |
| Five Keys to Performance | October 04, 2006 | 6 | 1 |
| Grading on the Curve | February 24, 2010 | 9 | 11 |
| Putting Suspense Back into Pinewood Racing - by Michael Lastufka (cantilever experiments) | October 20, 2004 | 4 | 2 |
| Rail Riding
| November 12, 2008 | 8 | 4 |
| Royal Ranger/ S&W Kits - Getting Top Speed | February 09, 2005 | 4 | 10 |
| Setting the Gap for Performance | January 23, 2008 | 7 | 9 |
| Modifying the Wheelbase | March 23,2011 | 10 | 13 |
| The Most Rigorous Pinewood Time Trials Ever! - by Michael Lastufka | February 18, 2004 | 3 | 11 |
| Three Wheel Cars - Are They Faster? | April 06, 2005 | 4 | 14 |
| Troubleshooting | March 08, 2006 | 5 | 12 |
| Wheel Alignment: Make it Straight! | December 14, 2005 | 5 | 6 |
| Race Philosophy |
|---|
| A Winning Philosophy (do your best vs. win at all cost) | October 1, 2008 | 8 | 1 |
| Awards (should everyone get an award) | March 05, 2003 | 2 | 12 |
| Credibility of the Race (eliminating race bias) | November 14, 2007 | 7 | 4 |
| Finding the Right Level of Parental Involvement | March 22, 2006 | 5 | 13 |
| Is it Cheating? | December 28, 2005 | 5 | 7 |
| Leader Help - How Much is Too Much? | February 9, 2011 | 10 | 10 |
| Pinewood Derby for Boy Scouts | January 9, 2008 | 7 | 8 |
| The Dark Side: eBay Cars | November 02, 2005 | 5 | 3 |
| Product Review |
|---|
| Aluminum 'Freedom Series' Track from Piantedosi | October 18, 2006 | 6 | 2 |
| Car Kits: Similarities and Differences | December 29, 2004 | 4 | 7 |
| DVD Review: An American Race | March 21, 2007 | 6 | 13 |
| Movie Review: Down and Derby | April 20, 2005 | 4 | 15 |
| Pinewood Derby Videos: Choices, Choices | January 12, 2005 | 4 | 8 |
| Race Equipment |
|---|
| Buying a Track? - Important Points to Consider - by Steve Monk | October 29, 2003 | 3 | 3 |
| Derby Kits - Many Choices for Buyers | April 15, 2009 | 8 | 15 |
| Electric or Human Eyes: Take your Pick - by John Shreffler | March 20, 2002 | 1 | 13 |
| Is Your Finish Line Providing Accurate Results? | October 17, 2007 | 7 | 2 |
| Pinewood Derby Timer Considerations - by Stu Ferguson | February 22, 2006 | 5 | 11 |
| Pining for a Derby Track - by Steve Smith | December 15, 2010 | 10 | 6 |
| Remote Control Race Management - by John Shreffler | November 15, 2006 | 6 | 4 |
| Selecting Race Management Software - by Randy Lisano | February 05, 2003 | 2 | 10 |
| Solenoid Start Gate: Are Races More Consistent? | November 2, 2011 | 11 | 2 |
| Utilizing Video Systems in Your Race - by Randy Lisano | February 07, 2007 | 6 | 10 |
| Race Logistics |
|---|
| Increase Interest and Competition with a Workshop | February 20, 2002 | 1 | 11 |
| Pre-Race Events Add Excitement | April 03, 2002 | 1 | 14 |
| Raising the Performance Bar (improving the competitive level of your group) | February 18, 2008 | 8 | 11 |
| Sorry, We Will Not Be Participating Because ... | October 3, 2012 | 12 | 1 |
| Streamlining the Weigh-In | October 31, 2012 | 12 | 3 |
| Weigh-in Problems (how to avoid them) | December 12, 2012 | 12 | 6 |
| Why Do You Have a Pinewood Derby? (organize your race to meet your goals) | December 13, 2006 | 6 | 6 |
| Race Management |
|---|
| Double Elimination vs. Stearns Hybrid Race Method | April 17, 2002 | 1 | 15 |
| Elimination Methods - Let's Make Some Improvements | December 24, 2003 | 3 | 7 |
| Pinewood Derby Race Organization | March 5, 2008 | 7 | 12 |
| Points or Times: Which Method Should I Use? | February 21, 2007 | 6 | 11 |
| Staging Pinewood Derby Races by Stan Pope | April 16, 2003 | 2 | 15 |
| Rules |
|---|
| Do's and Don'ts for Race Leaders | October 5, 2011 | 11 | 1 |
| It's the Law! - A Sample Rule Set for Your Pinewood Derby | October 16, 2002 | 2 | 2 |
| Rule Pet Peeves
| November 17, 2010 | 10 | 4 |
| Rule Gripes | November 17, 2004 | 4 | 4 |
| Understand Your Local Race Before Building Your Car | October 03, 2001 | 1 | 1 |
| Shop Talk |
|---|
| Bench Top Power Sanders
| February 22, 2012 | 11 | 11 |
| Choose the Right Band Saw
| October 17, 2012 | 12 | 2 |
| Choosing the Right Hand Saw | January 26, 2011 | 10 | 9 |
| Drilling Axle Holes With Precision | January 23, 2013 | 12 | 9 |
| Drilling Small Holes | October 19, 2011 | 11 | 2 |
| Drilling With Accuracy | December 30, 2009 | 9 | 7 |
| Hand Sanding | November 28, 2012 | 12 | 5 |
| Keep It Square | December 16, 2009 | 9 | 6 |
| Making Weight Pockets | November 3, 2010 | 10 | 3 |
| Measuring for Success | October 21, 2009 | 9 | 2 |
| Shaping Wood with Hand Tools | December 28, 2011 | 11 | 7 |
| The Best Pinewood Derby Rule | November 18, 2009 | 9 | 4 |
| The Right Stuff - Choosing the Best Adhesive | February 10, 2010 | 9 | 10 |
| You Can Never Have Too Many Clamps | March 10, 2010 | 9 | 12 |
| Tools |
|---|
| Drilling Axle Holes With Precision | March 23, 2005 | 4 | 13 |
| Getting Great Results with Pro-Tools - Part 1 | December 15, 2004 | 4 | 6 |
| Getting Great Results with Pro-Tools - Part 2 | January 26, 2005 | 4 | 9 |
| Tools of the Trade (tools and how to use them) | October 30, 2002 | 2 | 3 |
| Using a Mini-Lathe
| March 24, 2010 | 9 | 13 |
| Weighting |
|---|
| Maximum Weight for Performance | November 28, 2007 | 7 | 5 |
| Moment of Inertia Revisited | December 2, 2009 | 9 | 5 |
| Offset Weight Placement | January 12, 2011 | 10 | 8 |
| Weight Distribution: Concentrated or Distributed? | November 29, 2006 | 6 | 5 |
| Weight Experiments | March 31, 2004 | 3 | 14 |
| Weight: Place it Carefully | February 08, 2006 | 5 | 10 |
| Weighting Materials: So many choices! | April 19, 2006 | 5 | 15 |
| The Big Debates - Part 1: Weight Position, 3 or 4 Wheels | November 13, 2002 | 2 | 4 |
| Wheels |
|---|
| BSA Wheel Mold Numbers | November 03, 2004 | 4 | 3 |
| Effect of Wheel Weight on Performance | October 31, 2007 | 7 | 3 |
| New Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Wheels | October 19, 2009 | 9 | 2 |
| The Wheels Go Round and Round - or Do They? (wheel inspection and treatment) | October 15, 2003 | 3 | 2 |
| Wheel Preparation: Where the Plastic Meets the Road | October 02, 2002 | 2 | 1 |
Privacy Policy
Your e-mail address will only be used for the purpose of receiving this e-newsletter. Neither Maximum Velocity! or Mail List (the list service provider) will use your e-mail address for any purpose other than delivering the e-newsletter. We never sell, rent, or give your information to any person or business. This is our promise and guarantee.
Our Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your pinewood derby car will win a trophy, but we can guarantee that you will be satisfied with our products. If you are not satisfied with a product, please refer to our return policy.
With Maximum Velocity! booklets and supplies
you can build a pinewood derby car that reaches
MAXIMUM VELOCITY!
|
|
|
