Last Thursday night at 6:30 pm sharp, boys and their parents, grandparents and other vip guests gathered to witness an important right of passage in a young scout’s life…participation in the Pinewood Derby competition. Scouts work for many years to learn various hands-on and life skills all centered around the motto, “Be Prepared” but the main event of the year is all about cheering on a little wooden car designed by a boy and his dad (in our case). The two worked late in to the night for a week to design their perfect car.
Pinewood Derby racing is serious business.
No really.
Seriously, SERIOUS business.
Lanes had to be perfectly leveled. The clock was calibrated to measure finish line times down to one-hundreth of a second. The track was wiped down several times with a microfiber towel. I honestly thought it was a little overkill but the boys ate it up which was good enough for me.
First stop, weigh in. 5 oz or under…you’re good. Anything over that is thumbs down.
Once the car has been accepted as a contender it enters in the “pit” which was roped off. No one but the head honcho is allowed to touch it from that point on. I’m guessing so there’s no sabotaging of someone elses car? Hey, if they have to go to that extreme I’m sure it’s happened.’
Then the races began for 32 very excited and hopeful little boys.
The anticipation was nail-biting.
You thought he looked excited? You should have seen each and every one of the dad’s reactions when their sons raced.
Several races later this boy scout walked about with a 2nd place finish.
And he slept with his medal.
Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!
OUR PINEWOOD DERBY WAS THIS PAST sATURDAY. iF YOU THINK YOURS IS OVER THE TOP, WE HAVE ELECTRONIC TIMERS, INSTANT REPLAY VIDEO AND THE RANKINGS (WITH MPH THE CARS RAN) AFTER EACH HEAT. oH, AND cAR REVVING SOUND EFFECTS, TOO. iT’S PRETTY AWESOME.
tHIS WAS OUR FINAL DERBY — WE’VE DONE EIGHT OF THEM (TWO BOYS IN sCOUTS) — SO HUBBY AND i HAD AN EVENING OF QUIET AFTER THE RACE (HE WAS THE eMCEE FOR THE RACE AND i’M A DEN LEADER). bUT IT’LL BE KIND OF SAD NOT TO SEE ALL THOSE EXCITED LITTLE FACES AT THE RACE EVERY YEAR.
Congrats to your winner! The most wonderful part was seeing his expression! You know the commercial: PRICELESS!
Ah, memories!! you are correct, there is no funny business when it comes to the pinwood derby…and the dad’s are worse than the boys…they never really grow up! I love that he slept with his medal…i wish i could bottles those moments!!
That is absolutely adorable! (SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS – WONT TURN OFF??)
Wow – that’s weird – when I type it is all caps, but shows up not in caps (unless on). ????