Pinewood Derby Days!

About nine years ago we had an ultrasound and found out our fourth child would be a son. We were elated! Neil was especially happy to have some more masculinity in the house. But very soon after the ultrasound he had a foreboding thought. Son=cub scouts=pinewood derby. He has been a bit worried about this very competitive test of skill and manhood for the last nine years. In January they got the kits. Neil started interviewing other fathers. Most wouldn't reveal their closely guarded derby secrets. Then he found a dad whose sons had recently graduated and who had been champion derby racers. After a field trip to their house Neil and the boys started working on the cars (Jeff isn't officially in scouts, but they let him race for fun). The first attempt brought a really cool looking, but rather fragile, crooked racing car. After much deliberation and with only a week to the race, Neil made a trip to the scout store for another kit. Mark and Neil quickly produced the "Holey Cheese" car. It was yellow, it was holey, it was fast!

The scout leaders put Jeff's car in the first heat. Just for fun, they loaded it with extra weight. It was a 6oz car instead of the regulation 5oz. Look at the pictures below and you will see the outcome.

Pure Elation!!!

Now it is Mark's turn. He is more reserved with his emotions than Jeffrey, but he's a bit nervous too.

This is the finish line. See the "Holey Cheese?"

Mark won Third Place for speed! Good job Mark (and Neil)! Now you can rest easy. You've raced respectably and it was only your first year. Only five more to go!