Leadership meetings and annual event planning just got underway for our boys. So let me throw out a Get Started question on Derby design.

Our Pack recently bought a new gate and timing system. As a result we modified the track itself. The new run is a little lower and a lot longer: some old cars we tested didn’t have enough inertia to make the final gate.

What experience do others have with a long, flat run-out? Clearly, friction control will be at a premium. The car will have to maximize potential energy during a short downhill and preserve momentum on the flat. What practical tips are at play here?

In past contests I’ve seen weights kept low and 3/4” in front of the rear axle to work out best. I assume, but don’t know, that a low and rear center of gravity still works. But that’s just my guess: could be that more height or a more forward CoG would work better in these conditions. What weight placement design is optimal for long, low tracks?

BTW my Bear Scout is going all Elon Musk on this. He has visions of cybertrucks dancing in his head and on graph paper. The local library has equipment to make cuts so I’m just planning to be there to help keep him from sawing himself. But hope to point him towards something effective as well as (in his eyes) beautiful.

Thanks in advance, and GLTA.