Kerry, In general you have to maximize weight and minimize friction. Here were some factors that gave us the edge:
- Design: Was quite aerodynamic - long sloping front. It was also very symmetrical - we used all straight surfaces and cuts - so weight was evenly distributed so the car did not have to hit the sides of the track much. We used power tools to do the cuts and sanding. However, it happened to be S8's design exactly!
- We notched the bottom and stuck as many quarters there so the weight was almost exactly the maximum.
- By axles I assume you mean the 4 nails, one for each wheel. We made sure the wheels rotated freely and evenly and we also put a tiny drop of oil on each nail head.
- I prayed hard that S8 would win to boost his confidence.
Unfortunately in our excitement we dropped the trophy when we got home and it broke in two. I consoled S8 by telling him its just a piece of plastic and we still won the race. But I'm also getting a replacement trophy for $2. Mike we won every race but sometimes it was very close as many of the other cars were extremely fancy compared to ours. And I was so grateful for all the help we got.
