A flaw in alignment can be disastrous to a pinewood derby racer's performance. If the car does not roll straight, it will crash against the sides of the track. The impact will cause a loss of speed and cripple the opportunity for winning or placing. To make sure your pinewood car is ready for the next race, take a close look at the axle alignment. Minor adjustments can optimize the car's trajectory and send it speeding toward the finish line.
Ensure that the axle slots on the racer are parallel to each other. Insert the axles into the slots so they are straight and perpendicular to the body.
Place the racer on a level surface and inspect the front axles. Remove the axle of the wheel that is more firmly planted on the ground. If one of the wheels is raised, select the axle making contact with the floor.
Separate the wheel from the axle. Make a minor bend in the axle, then reattach the wheel. Insert the axle into the racer. The bend in the axle should face upward.
Test the racer by rolling it across a smooth, level surface. If it is still experiencing alignment issues, use pliers to grasp the axle head. Make a slight rotation of the axle and test the racer again. Continue alternately testing and rotating the axle until the alignment has been corrected.
Tips
- Once you have adjusted the axles and your racer is rolling straight, glue the axles into place. Since the racer's wheels rotate around the axles, you will not need to turn the axles after you have corrected the alignment.
- For greater precision making bends in the axles of pinewood racers, purchase a Pro-Axle Press and a Pro-Rail Rider Tool from a hobby store.
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