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How much does a Pinewood Derby car need to weigh?

Does my son’s Pinewood Derby car need to weigh a certain amount? I’m helping him make his car, but I don’t want him to accidentally make it too heavy and get disqualified.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s so sweet that you’re helping your son make his Pinewood Derby car! Most troops will set a weight limit of five ounces for Pinewood Derby cars. That said, most derby cars alone will weigh just 1.5 ounces to 3.5 ounces, so you’ll need to add some extra weight if you want to hit the maximum.
If you’d like to win the race, it’s a good idea to make your car as heavy as possible; that way, you’ll have gravity on your side. However, there is some disagreement as to the best placement of
weight
.
With more weight, your car will have more potential energy if you place the extra weight in the rear of the car approximately one inch from the rear axle. However, some people claim that you should place the weight at the front of your car since this will give you a head start when the race begins.
While you may not need insurance on a Pinewood Derby car, why not take a minute to learn more about your options for your real car? The
Jerry
app makes it quick and easy to find the best rates available on the insurance coverage you want. Just download the app and answer a few questions to see a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best car insurance policies. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year on car insurance.
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