ALL WinDerby Wheels are Mold Matched with Bores Reamed and Hand Polished!

Smooth Cut

"H" Cut

"V" Cut

microC

Ultra-Lite

UL-X

Raw Wheels

Let's Talk Wheels...

The BSA has finally retired the old 1999 wheel molds and released the NEW 2009 WHEEL MOLDS for the Official Pinewood Derby wheels. It seems they took the opportunity to make some major changes to the wheel design. Let's look at a few of the new 2009 mold features for comparison the the 1999 mold features.

1999 Wheel Mold



2009 Wheel Mold

Wheel Weight:
3.6g

Wheel Weight:
2.6g

Mold Sprue Mark:
(1mark) Outer Tread Surface

Mold Sprue Mark:
3 marks) Inner Rim Face

Hub Face:
Flat

Hub Face:
Coned

Bore Diameter:
.093" - .098"

Bore Diameter:
.094" - .098"

Rotational Inertia:
5.16g/cm2

Rotational Inertia:
3.66g/cm2

Wheel Diameter:
1.187" - 1.192"

Wheel Diameter:
1.184" - 1.187"

Outer Hub Face:
Single Step Recess

Outer Hub Face:
Double Step Recess

As you can see. The "out-of-box" wheels specifications are quite different.

I cannot, in good faith, state that two wheels with the physical differences stated above would have equal performance characteristics. Only after some serious modifications to correct for the imbalance in specifications can the performance be deemed, at least, comparable.

Many are down playing the new design as "equal" or "no distinct advantage or disadvantage to one wheel over the other". The only reason I can see for these statements would be to for the purpose of clearing out old inventory.

One thing that has remained the same - matching all of the mold numbers in a set of wheels is still no guarantee of perfect match. The hub bore sizes vary quite a bit in diameter as well as the taper of the bore. Even within the same mold number!

My hopes for the new mold is to significantly reduce the number of rejects. That would certainly help now that we only get 4 wheels per set rather than the usual 5 (for the same price).

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Some will boast about championships won with their "special" wheels. Wheels alone do not win races. Even the new BSA wheel design, with it's pros and cons, is but one of many interdependent measure that will affect the performance of your car. "Doc" Jobe offers a Virtual Racing Program that lets you see how those seamingly insignificant tweaks can affect the overall performance of a car. Don't obsess over one measure. Learn how to make all of them work together.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
—Thomas Alva EdisonlittleEdison

There's no mass production line here at WinDerby. I, personally, machine each and every wheel, one at a time, with attention paid to detail and quality.

Here are just a few of the steps that I take with every single one of the wheels I prepare:
WHEEL PROCESSES

Standard Wheel Processes

SlickSilver™ is a wheel bore treatment that I developed using my proprietary blend of Graphite and Molybdenum. My process creates a wheel bore finish that is ultra smooth, ultra slick and shines like a mirror!

SlickSilver™ Pro Bore Treatment is included as a standard process on ALL of my Speed Wheels.

microMelt BlackPearl™ is a tread polishing process I created to minimize traces of machining marks. This process uses no waxes or chemicals but virtually resurfaces the tread to wipe out most all traces of machine marks.The BlackPearl™ process STANDARD on ALL of my Wheels

Mold Mark OptionalCan you have a precision lathe turned wheel AND keep the Mold Mark1? ..Yep! - and it will not affect performance one bit. Inspectors love to see mold marks and I love to make inspectors happy. For just a buck I can make sure a remnant of the mold mark stays visible.

1- applies only to 1999 molds. The new 2009 molds do not have mold marks on the outer tread surface..

RIM XRimX™ is my inner rim treatment that lightly shaves the inner edge of the rim true to wheel to control runout. I also restore the radius edge to the original stock appearance. The rimX™ process is now STANDARD on ALL of my Wheels

NO CONINGNO HUB CONING1 - I don't cone. Most rules do not allow coning. If you wish to cone it's very easy to do with a piece of fine sandpaper. It just takes a little bit. Rather, I prefer a flat smooth hub face that is polished with G/M lube. The contact area on the body should get the same treatment.

1- applies only to 1999 molds. The new 2009 molds are already coned.

1 - PLEASE NOTE: Applies only to 1999 mold wheels. Although the "Mold Bump" is COMPLETELY REMOVED, the DISCOLORATION of the mold mark may still be visible as it may extend deeper into the material on some wheels. However, this is ONLY A DISCOLORATION of the plastic. Rest assured, wheel is GUARANTEED TO BE SMOOTH and will not interfere whatsoever with the performance. I want to maintain the LARGEST POSSIBLE DIAMETER while still providing an even and smooth surface and PRESERVING THE TREAD EDGE as required by many rules.

Internet Content
Rating Association

Take a look at some interesting test data regarding my different wheels and the effects of inertia and tread shapes on speed. Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels

Lecture 5 - How To Calculate the Moment of Inertia of a Wheel

Does raising one wheel really reduce your friction by 25%?? If you want SPEED you'll wanna READ. Lets separate FACT from FICTION with
Lecture 11 - Debunking Another Friction Myth.

WinDerby
Wheel Process

First, I hand select the best wheels and sort them into matched sets. This helps to make sure the finished set can be machined with the same set up for uniformity.

The matched sets are then lightly lathed round and concentric to the wheel bore. The tread edge is left in tact (except for "V" cut). I polish every wheel by hand with my special blend of GM. No mass production here.

I ream the hub bores to remove the taper and make the bore sizes equal (very important).Then I polish the inside of the bore until it shines like a mirror. The inner rim is trimmed square and finished with a radius. I square the hub face and give it a shine with my GM for the ultimate smooth and polished surface both inside and out.

After a final inspection, everything is packaged and protected for shipping. I take a lot of pride in providing the best BSA wheels on the market. My quality and craftsmanship speak for itself.

These are all Official BSA Pinewood Derby® Scout wheels (with "OFFICIAL B.S.A., MADE IN USA," on the inside and raised letters on the sidewall which read "BSA PINEWOOD DERBY®" (2009 mold) or "BSA PINEWOOD DERBY™" (1999 mold)and are lathe turned to a standard diameter. The turning lightens the wheel (LIGHTER WHEELS ARE FASTER. Less mass = Lower Moment of Inertia) and removes the bump at the molding seam1. LATHE TURNED WHEELS RUN FASTER! Check local rules for legality.

IMPORTANT: A smooth and polished wheel bore is a great start. But, it's not a enough. Take it to the next step. The wheel bore must be properly treated and completely coated with graphite in order to properly reduce the coefficient of friction (COF). A majorrity of the missinformed may say that you should spin the wheel on the nail to "break-in" the surface. Simply not true. There IS no break-in. There is only the mating of two properly prepared surfaces that will reduce the sliding friction between the startionary nail surface and the rotating wheel bore.

IMPORTANT: The products and construction techniques described are all developed to improve the performance of your pinewood derby cars. Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

MOLD MATCHED SPEED WHEELS

with microMELTrimXand

Note from Jerry: Before you buy, you may ask yourself (as you should) - "Is this just one more of those Derby Myths?" - The answer, I'm proud to say, is NO! This, like all of the products on this site, has its roots in physical law, hands on experimentation and craftsmanship. Again, I encourage you to download and study the Lecture Series by Dr John Jobe, conduct your own experimentation and let Physics separate Fact from Fiction.

Remember that there are many factors that will affect the performance of your car such as alignment, weight placement, rolling friction, sliding friction, moment of inertia, and track conditions (just to name a few). Individually, each is just one piece of a puzzle with many interdependent measures. Recommended Virtual Racing and Gravity Driven Car Design.

Looks like a smooth tread -
Performs like an "H".

Just like the other WinDerby Speed Wheels, it all starts with a BSA wheel that is prepared with a smooth and true tread surface. Then a proprietary secondary process creates a slight, nearly invisible, precisely controlled shape to the tread surface that exploits an inherent flaw in the molding process. The µC™ surface has all the benefits of an "H" wheel, but without the "H". Check out Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels. It's easy to see the influence rolling friction can have on a wheel.

Micro C Speed Wheelsyou at the finish line

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: 1999 -3.50 grams each**
  • WEIGHT: 2009 -2.50 grams each**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

Another WinDerby Original

NEW µC™ Speed Wheels

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

After much work WinDerby is pleased to announce the release of..

Micro C Speed Wheels Speed Wheels!

You may have noticed, some of the standard BSA wheels have an inherent flaw that can actually work to your advantage. If the plastic is not adequately cooled before being released from the mold, the wheel tread tends to deform and sink in . This sink can actually result in a faster ride. This creates a sort of "H" wheel that is (ironically) perfectly legal. I've taken "the Physics behind the Flaw" to the next level by adding uniformality and precise repeatability to this phenomena to create a tread surface with superior qualities that can still be BSA legal and meet the minimum 8mm tread width rule for WIRL races as well. .TOP


IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDC

$17.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H65

$16.95

I want my Mold Mark1 for $1
Mold Mark Optional1999 Mold ONLY
#H65

1- applies to 1999 wheel mold. The new 2009 molds have no mold mark on the outer tread.

$17.95

"The important thing is not to stop questioning".
- Albert Einstein

Why do racing bicycles have skinny and hard tires?

Why is it harder to pedal a bike through sand?

Why does an under inflated car tire reduce your fuel efficiency?

How does the µC™ tread characteristics reduce the effects of rolling friction? F=CrrNf

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: 1999 -3.50 grams each**
  • WEIGHT: 2009 -2.50 grams each**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

Matched Smooth Cut Speed Wheels (set of 4)

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

These are Official Pinewood Derby® BSA Mold Matched Wheels that are hand selected to optimize performance. Each wheel is then turned round, smooth and lightly polished. The hubs are reamed and then gently polished with my Graphite-Moly blend for exceptional performance right out of the box.TOP


IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDS

$12.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H62

$11.95

I want my Mold Mark1 for $1
Mold Mark Optional1999 Mold ONLY
#H62

1- applies to 1999 wheel mold. The new 2009 molds have no mold mark on the outer tread.

$12.95

 

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: 1999 -3.45 grams each**
  • WEIGHT: 2009 -2.45 grams each**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

"H" Cut Speed Wheels (set of 4)

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

"H" wheels are turned smooth then undercut about .004" in the center of the tread, leaving small, flat running edges on both sides. The hubs are reamed and then gently polished with my Graphite-Moly blend for exceptional performance right out of the box. They are faster than Smooth Tread wheels and the undercut is barely visible to the eye - but not invisible! TOP


IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDH

$13.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H23

$12.95

 
 

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: 1999 -3.00 grams each**
  • WEIGHT: 2009 -2.15 grams each**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

"V" Cut Speed Wheels (set of 4)

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT
TREAD RIBS ARE REMOVED

The "V" cut wheels wheels are VERY fast! The small (and very visible!) peak reduces rolling friction to a minimum (Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels). A lot of material is removed to make the "V" thus creating a much lighter wheel. LIGHTER WHEELS ARE FASTER. Less mass means it takes less energy to get it rolling (rotational inertia). NOTE: Because of the amount of material removed, the ribbed tread edge is removed. Check your rules. A must for the fast car. TOP


IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDV

$14.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H09

$13.95

Speed Kit 1

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

The Speed Kit contains a set of the H62 Matched Speed Wheels (above) along with 4 of our H50 premium Speed Axles. What a combo! TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDSK1

$14.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H63

$13.95

 

 

 

 

 

Speed Kit 2

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

The Speed Kit contains a set of the H62 Matched Speed Wheels (above) along with 4 of our H46 Lathe Turned Speed Axles. These are the OFFICIAL BSA AXLES that have been precision turned with a grooves that removes the nail forming marks from the shaft and a precision taper on the head to reduce contact area with the wheel face.
. Pretty Slick! TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDSK2

$19.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#H64

$18.95

 

Kick it up a notch with

ULTRA-LITE SPEED WHEELS

with microMELTrimXand

NOW LIGHTER AND STRONGER

There is no magic, no secrets. The FACTS are in the PHYSICS

Tip: When shopping for light wheels its good to keep in mind that even wheels with the same weight can have a different Rotational Inertia (MOI). It's not so much how light a wheel is, but rather where the weight has been removed. Also, the shape of the tread will have a dramatic effect on the rolling friction. Think about it..

WinDerby - Where "INNOVATION" beats Imitation!

Newton Moment of Inertia - In reference to wheels, rotational Inertia is an objects resistance to change of rotation. The measure of inertia is the object's mass. The greater the mass, the more energy it takes to get the object rotating. Give a golf ball a light push then do the same to a bowling ball. The golf ball rolls pretty easily. Applying the same force to the bowling ball has little or no effect. It will take a lot more energy to set the bowling ball into motion because of its greater mass. It's interesting to note that objects with IDENTICAL MASS can have a DIFFERENT MOMENT of INERTIA depending on their shape or distribution of mass.

These wheels look stock. All of the mold text features are intact and ready for inspection.

CAUTION: These Wheels are HOT!

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: (see chart)**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

A WinDerby Original

It just keeps getting better!

NOW LIGHTER AND STRONGER

ULS and ULC

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

LESS MASS(in the right places)
= LOWER MOI

Wheel

m (grams) aprox.*

I (g/cm2) aprox.*

1999 BSA Stock

3.6

5.12

2009 BSA Stock

2.6

3.66

1999 ULS/ULC

1.88

1.88

2009 ULS/ULC

1.55

1.75

This represents a reduction in mass of up to 57.0% and a 65.8% reduction of rotational inertia.

*due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate (+/- 3%) .
This data is for comparison to illustrate the UL Advantage

ULTRA-LITE Smooth Cut Speed Wheels

Although it's very flattering..
BEWARE OF CHEAP (and expensive) IMITATIONS

Looks can be deceiving. These guys are made from Official BSA Pinewood Derby® Wheels that are mold matched then lathe turned round and concentric with reamed and polished hub bores. Just like the H62's ...with one major difference.

These wheels are turned from the inside to remove material from the inner tread surface. The average wheel weight of the ULS is reduced to about 1.88 grams. This means it takes less energy to get the wheels rolling. Less mass reduces Moment of Inertia.

TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDULS

$23.45

1999 Wheel Mold
#ULS

$22.45

I want my Mold Mark1 for $1
Mold Mark Optional1999 Mold ONLY
#ULSMM

1- applies to 1999 wheel mold. The new 2009 molds have no mold mark on the outer tread

$23.45

Turn 'em into a µC™ and reduce rolling friction too!

µC™ has essentially the same MOI as the ULS. The µC™ tread characteristic has the added benefit of reduced rolling friction like an "H" wheel. F=CrrNf

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDULC

$27.95

1999 Wheel Mold
#ULC

$26.95

Mold Mark OptionalI want my Mold Mark for $1
Item #ULCMM

$27.95

A standard 1999 style BSA wheel weighs about 3.6 grams with a moment of inertia of around 5.12 g/cm2

If you want to learn more check out Lecture 5 - How To Calculate the Moment of Inertia of a Wheel

NOTE: The "H" cut is very obvious. This type of extreme modification is normally allowed only in open class racing. Make sure your rules allow for this type of modification before you buy. If so, get ready for a fast ride!

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: (see chart)**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

A WinDerby Original

NEW and IMPROVED!

ULH

NOW LIGHTER AND STRONGER

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT INSIDE AND OUT

LESS MASS(in the right places)
= LOWER MOI

ULTRA-LITE "H" Cut Speed Wheels

Wheel

m (grams) aprox.*

I (g/cm2) aprox.*

1999 BSA Stock

3.6

5.12

2009 BSA Stock

2.6

3.66

1999 ULH

1.88

1.88

2009 ULH

1.50

1.75

This represents a reduction in mass of up to 57.0% and a 65.8% reduction of rotational inertia.

*due to wheel/mold characteristics, values are approximate (+/- 3%) .
This data is for comparison to illustrate the UL Advantage

A cut above the ULS. An "H" Cut to be exact. We have managed to put an "H" cut on these wheels to reduce the apparent contact surface area by more than 80% thus further reducing the weight and thus the Moment of Inertia. The measurable benefit over the smooth cut is the reduction of rolling friction.

TOP

New 2009 Wheel Mold
#WDULH

$24.95

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and/or products may be not be allowed.TOP

1999 Wheel Mold
#ULH

$23.95

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and/or products may be not be allowed.topTOPtop

Check out some interesting results with regards to rolling friction. Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels

I keep the "H" cut to a minimum to maintain the structural integrity of the tread area. But a little bit goes a long way. The minimized apparent surface contact area makes for a very forgiving and fast wheel.

All of the mold text features are intact and ready for inspection.

ULTRA-LITE XTREME CUT SPEED WHEELS

with microMELTrimXand

NOTE: The "V" cut is very obvious. This type of extreme modification is normally allowed only in open class racing. Please check your rules before you buy.

?? DID YOU KNOW... a ULVX will outperform any 1 gram smooth tread wheel due to the reduction of rolling friction? Check out Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels.

  • DIA: 1.180" (avg. - wheel sets match)*
  • BORE DIA: .098" - Reamed & Polished with SlickSilver™
  • HUB: Face sanded and Polished with SlickSilver™
  • WEIGHT: 1.35 grams each (avg.)**

due to wheel/mold characteristics,
values are approximate
* Wheel Diameter +/- 1%
** Wheel Weight +/-3%
This data is for comparison

A WinDerby Original

ULTRA-LITE "V" Xtreme Cut Speed Wheels

(SET OF 4)
MOLD MATCHED, REAMED and POLISHED
BSA MARKINGS ARE INTACT ON OUTSIDE ONLY
TREAD RIBS ARE REMOVED

These may be the lightest and fastest open class BSA wheels that I have made (so far). I have reduced the weight of the ULVX's to about 1.35 grams each from the hefty 3.6 grams stock BSA. The moment of inertia is chopped to about 1.7g/cm2 (5.12g/cm2 stock BSA typ.) and the "V" Cut has measurable advantages in the reduction of rolling friction (see Lecture 6- Testing Hodges Wheels).

Wheel

m (grams) aprox.*

I (g/cm2) aprox.*

1999 BSA Stock

3.6

5.12

ULVX

1.35

1.67

This represents a reduction in mass of 62% and a whopping 67% reduction of rotational inertia.

*due to wheel/mold characteristics, values are approximate (+/- 3%) .
This data is for comparison to illustrate the Xtreme Advantage

NOTE: All of the inside mold features are removed

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and / or products may be not be allowed.TOP

Upgrade to the new
2009 Wheel Mold
Xtreme Cut #WDULVx

$26.95

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local racing rules as some of the methods and/or products may be not be allowed.topTOPtop

IMPORTANT: While there are obvious advantages to this type of Xtreme Cut wheel design, there are also obvious trade-offs. I have done my best to push the envelope while maintaining the structural integrity of the wheel. But keep in mind that this wheel has a lot of material removed. Care must be taken during handling. If you have a really bumpy track or uneven seams then you may want to consider the ULS, ULH, or ULC wheels for open class performance as the cross sectional area is a bit more robust.
 

wd44pkgRegular Scout Wheels w/Axles (set of 4)

These are the new 2009 mold design Official Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby® wheels and axles. They are the "new" wheels with "BSA Pinewood Derby®" in raised letters on the side wall.

TOP

Item #WD44

$2.85

Item #WD44M
Mold Matched Sets

$4.85

Item #WD44PLUS
PREMIUM Mold Matched Sets
#3, #8, #12 or #15

$7.85

Regular Scout Wheels w/Axles (set of 5)

These are the 1999 mold design Official Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby® wheels and axles. They are the "new" wheels with "BSA Pinewood Derby™" in raised letters on the side wall.

TOP

Item #H44

$2.85


January 19, 2010 Updated

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