Pinewood Derby Debut

Evan made his Pinewood Derby, or Dervy as he calls it, debut today. Boy, has the Pinewood Derby had an upgrade since circa 1980 when Uncle Brian reigned the track. The track is metal and captures exact times which are automatically fed to a laptop. The laptop produces data that determines how cars are matched in subsequent heats. The entire day was simulcast on a large screen in the back of the room.

I knew we were in for a big day after the registration experience the night before. First, an official photograph was taken of the car and the car with scout. Then, we went to the official weigh-in which showed the car was .2 ounces less than the maximum 5 ounces. So over we went to the repair stationed manned by 3 scout leaders, their drills, and other tools to add some weight. With three pennies in the bottom of the car, we went back to official weigh-in--an exact 5 oounces, and Evan's car was officially added into the computer and passed a test run. After that, it was wheeled off on a cart to be sequestered until race day. Whew!

Evan and the approximately 100 other scouts in the pack had a great time on race day. Even siblings, parents, and grandparents can build cars to race unofficially. (We will lobby Uncle Brian to reprise his champion car next year.) All the cars raced for 5 heats, and Evan won one heat and placed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in other heats.

He handled the most difficult part of the day relatively well, i.e. awards. Before they started, he bowed his head and folded his hands in prayer. He was a little disappointed not to win in the speed categories, but he was comforted by the promise of my one and only running trophy for his room. Just as he was about to grab his car and go home, his name and number was announced as the winner of the "Best Movie Theme." He was thrilled with his medal which he wore to the Worcester Sharks hockey game, another Scout activity, tonight.