Everything he says is true, guys will skirt the very limit of the rules to make the pinewood cars as fast as possible
We had a very strict rule that all 4 tires had to touch the track so guys would set on front wheel crooked so the edge barely touch then act like it was accidental.
Just keep remembering that less friction=faster speed, I waxed the body of the car multiple times, looks better and every little bit helps.
Around here we have a lit of aircraft industry guys (pratt, hamilton, canadair, etc) and there have been some cars that you simply knew were professionally done and the kid didn't even touch them and then at the other end are the son's of single moms who built the car 100% themself. We would have boys bring in uncut wood blocks that they put the tires onto then painted (yes, wheels would not even turn) and glued army men too
I would find myself bringing a whole toolbox including drills and dremel just to help with quick repairs and setups every year.
Joe's next helpful tip, I would start the pinewood season by going to our local scout store and buying 3-4 extra kits, take out all the wheels and axles (nails). The best ones would go to my son's car, the next set would go to my daughter's sibling fun entry, next I would build one simple "ready to run car" just in case a kid showed up without one or broke his and the rest went into the toolbox as spare parts
We had a very strict rule that all 4 tires had to touch the track so guys would set on front wheel crooked so the edge barely touch then act like it was accidental.
Just keep remembering that less friction=faster speed, I waxed the body of the car multiple times, looks better and every little bit helps.
Around here we have a lit of aircraft industry guys (pratt, hamilton, canadair, etc) and there have been some cars that you simply knew were professionally done and the kid didn't even touch them and then at the other end are the son's of single moms who built the car 100% themself. We would have boys bring in uncut wood blocks that they put the tires onto then painted (yes, wheels would not even turn) and glued army men too
I would find myself bringing a whole toolbox including drills and dremel just to help with quick repairs and setups every year.
Joe's next helpful tip, I would start the pinewood season by going to our local scout store and buying 3-4 extra kits, take out all the wheels and axles (nails). The best ones would go to my son's car, the next set would go to my daughter's sibling fun entry, next I would build one simple "ready to run car" just in case a kid showed up without one or broke his and the rest went into the toolbox as spare parts