[TriEmbed] Pinewood derby help

[John Vaughters]

>The winner was a 1.5” steel ball bearing 
So basically the guy that used only gravity as a source beat the rest with other forces included. Impressive. I wonder if he optimized the mass/inertia with the ramp angle using physics, or design of study method and just tried many sizes and picked the best one. The ball being the best choice because you cannot control hitting the sides and the ball is a great minimal loss shape for this method. The physics would drive an optimization of the inertia, density and diameter, neglecting wind resistance as minimal. However, if the powered guys did their work right, they should be able to destroy this design. The rocket, if stayed on track once fired, most certainly should have won. I think if I were making the rules I would not allow ignited designs, mostly for safety. Plus it just amps up everyone to do it and then you really have a fire hazard. So I guess I unlimited rules are difficult.
I am kind of fond of the motorized fan method. Crank before starting and sling out of the gate. Use multiple fans to try and balance the forces, maybe 2 or 4. No wheel slip either, but motorized wheels may work if you solve the traction issue. 

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