weight vs speed?
Ok, I'm new to this, so pardon my ignorance. My gravity racing begins and ends with pine wood derby cars. I'll leave weight placement and axle treatment out of this for now. Anyhow with those cars the goal was always to be "at weight" for your particular class. Does the same hold true for HW racing?
thanks
Discussion
Welcome to the hobby and Redline Derby, Traction!
I think the effect of the track should not be overlooked. With pinewood derby there are specs for the track...certain length, angle, etc. Diecast racing has no standard so in cases like Fantasy League where we race on different tracks all across the country, one weekend it's a 10-foot short track, the next weekend it's a 50-foot monster track. All the weight/mass and science stuff is all important and true but only in relation to the track you're on. Which is one reason diecast fascinates me is because there's no "right answer" per se, whereas I feel in pinewood derby you can find a near "perfect" design since you will know the track very well. I think finding (or building) a HW car that is balanced and performs well on any track is the ultimate goal.
I am certain the learning curve will be steep. Lots of trial and error forthcoming. I won't try to kid myself or anyone else. I want to win..(this is why we all race)..that will only come with time and experience, and maybe some luck. But at a minimum I'd like to be competitive. Thanks for the insight guys I do appreciate it.
Weight is a major factor, but not entirely. A good set of wheels and width will also impact how a vehicle will act in a drag race.
Also, the track makes a difference. A mostly downhill track will have heavier cars do better, but a mostly flat track will make the wheels a more important factor.