|
Post by sappingtonr on Dec 16, 2008 21:21:43 GMT -6
Fellow racers: This has been an awesome year in the PWD world. I feel that personally I have taken "my game" to a new level and couldn't have done it without all of the support & free flow of info both on the board and during the live races. Part of the process for me has been a series of small steps followed by a few "Giant Steps".
I had a conversation with a Builder that has been on "Sabbatical" for the past year or so and he told me that he didn't think that it was possible for the league racers to get much faster and also shared that he felt PWD2008 was somewhat of a break-through year for builders but didn't for see much more improvement in the area of speed.
I don't have a crystal ball for 2009 but I can certainly look back on 2008 and reflect upon some of the tips & secrets that I learned.
I would like to name a few and invite others to add to the list:
No particular order-
Narrow FDW side Positive Camber on a FDW The K-House Groove The "Little White Things" Ear Ring Backs SmallParts.com "The Rail Rider tool" "The Tube"
It might even be fun to make a list of biggest innovations of the year and then take a vote by New years. Anyone interested?
|
|
|
Post by Mr. Slick on Dec 16, 2008 22:04:33 GMT -6
I like the K-House Groove best - especially for the young builders! I predict that the races will continually get closer and closer. . . in addition to faster and faster. I will also predict that the actual race event broadcast will get better and there will be a better "Builder Package" for the monthly races. . . .
|
|
|
Post by Lucky 13 on Dec 16, 2008 23:33:48 GMT -6
I would have to agree that 2008 has been somewhat of a break through year for pinewood derby racing. We've seen increases in league racers, on-line retailers and many new products from different businesses. Just type "pinewood derby" in a search engine and see what you get !! As far as speed/times, I'm not 100% convinced that we have plateaued just yet !! Are we getting close ?, yes, but I still think there is more speed to be found. I think there will always be builders/companies pushing the limits and that will continue to open doors for a little more speed/time. Just looking at a few cars from the 2008 season here at PWDR you can see things moving forward. A few examples: ProQuest won limited in January with a 2.99xx average, by December a 2.99 average would have been a last place finish !! January DocB won stock with an average time of 2.95XX, by the December race 3Cub won with a 2.89XX average !! I can remember when everyone was wondering when a limited would break sub 3's, heck I can remember when stockers weren't breaking sub 3's !! I think races are getting to the point were consistency (which has always played a very big factor), will play a HUGE factor in the outcome of races. We seen a glimpse of that in the December PWDR race !! Things sure have changed a lot just since 2006 when I started racing !! I think a big thing for the 2008 season here at PWDR was the use of solid rear axles !! Several racers have switched to them with some fantastic results !! I'm definitely looking forward to the 2009 season and another great year of racing !! Lucky 13
|
|
|
Post by knotthead on Dec 17, 2008 6:10:01 GMT -6
Hey Sapp... Please excuse my ignorance, but just what is "The K-House groove"?
The willingness of everybody to share ideas and to discuss what doesn't work creates an atmosphere of kinship not often found anywhere else, at least for me. You all are a great group of people. I enjoy it here. Thanks
Later...
Lee
|
|
|
Post by sappingtonr on Dec 17, 2008 6:45:36 GMT -6
Lee, Khouse is the name of a builder that posts on th derbyworx message board. He came up with the idea of cutting a groove like a flat head screw in on the head of the nail, to aid in the precision tuning/turning of the axle with a screwdriver, versus pliers. Hope that helps.
Sapp.
|
|
|
Post by knotthead on Dec 17, 2008 11:23:35 GMT -6
Thank you,sir. I remember the post now. I drift over that way occassionally, but most of my time is spent here.
Lee
|
|