If I select the DFX-L coating addition does this mean I don’t need to put graphite in the wheel base? In other words are the axles all set for racing at this point?

Simple answer is NO….. Treating the surface of the metal does not replace the mechanical lube needed between the wheel and the axle to reduce friction. You will always still need lube nt matter what wheel and axle prep is done.

Complicated answer: There are at least two types of friction forces fighting a pinewood derby car. Kinetic (sliding) friction force– when an object moves. And static friction force – when an object tries to move. Friction is what slows our derby cars down. If we can reduce friction, we will have a faster car. How do you reduce friction?  Proper wheel and axle preparation and lubrication will reduce both kinetic and static friction to help us achieve a faster car.

What we want to do is reduce that kinetic and static friction forces. During the race, the wheel hubs will rub on the axles. I talked about how to manually reduce those friction forces through axle and wheel preparation. However, even if after you have properly prepared and polished your axles and wheels, there can still be more done to reduce friction.  Choosing the best lube is the final step. Every millisecond adds up!