Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets

Once racers have mastered the thrill of building a Derby car, they might be ready to go on to David Meade's book Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets: Design and Build the Ultimate Car. Meade features the same photographer as the previous book and offers the same clear instructions as well as excellent advice. All instructions are within regulation, and the book is officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America. The author notes that the "Pinewood Derby strengthens relationships, while promoting craftsmanship and healthy competition." The book begins with a brief history of the Pinewood Derby and quickly moves on to the car plans. These are not mere templates; they are aerodynamic discussions! Readers are told how to maximize potential energy, reduce friction, and reduce wheel inertia. And this is barely the beginning. Great detail is given to weight placement, wheelbase length, lubrication, and so much more. There are so many details and ideas that I never would have dreamed possible. It never would have occurred to me to sand inside a wheel bore, late alone taper an axle head to reduce friction. The author has thought of everything. And then he tested and retested and made certain he had the best possible methods mastered. The step