Friday night was the annual Pinewood Derby. This was the first time Seth actually participated in one as his former pack opted to do the Space Derby last year. Seth, with his mathematical mind, debated about the shape and decided the wedge would be the most aerodynamic with the best weight distribution (I was impressed that he cared).
I took no part in the design of his car, nor did I watch any of the building sessions, so I can't accurately describe the process. I saw Seth sanding his car several times and I spent more than one evening inside by myself while Jay was in the garage, so feel confident that while Seth definitely had his dad's help, it was still "his" car. To help matters, there was an open family-fun competition after the official derby, and Jay made two more cars that got a lot more of his attention - guilt free.
The evening was well organized as the cub master is a well-organized person. The rules were clear, the racing started at a decent time (I remember going to one that started over an hour later than advertised) and there was yummy food to nibble on for us spectators.
With only seven boys participating and a double elimination bracket, the actual racing was over quickly. It was also oddly quiet throughout the entire evening. I think all the boys had been coached and reminded about good sportsmanship that they were all more subdued than usual.
As soon as Seth raced his car, we knew he had a fast one. I was excited to see him so excited. I was proud of him as he shook hands with his competitor after each race and took care of his little car in between races.
All the cars that raced that evening, including the non-legal family ones.
Seth's car
The cub-scout's cars minus one.
Jay's other two cars. The one on the left he designed to be fast and the other one was inspired from his love of NASCAR and Tony Stewart.
Seth led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Seth's first race, when we first realized that he had a fast car.
Seth and his friend, Clay, who would end up in the championship round with him.
One of the 2 races in the championship (they switched lanes and raced best 2 out of 3. Seth won it in 2, but it was really close!)
Seth receiving his 1st place trophy from his cub-master and den leader.
Our own March Madness
We celebrated at Dairy Queen afterward. Seth wanted the large cone. It was large. Sam was jealous.
Clearly, we were bothering the other customers with our raucous party. (Clark, Stephanie and Ethan visited all week and came with Grandpa and Grandma to the race. They missed the race, but got plenty of details from us.)
My sister Sarah came for the weekend too. Again, we are party animals.
Co-creators of the winning car. We tried coming up with a name, but nothing stuck.
Close-up proof that I was there too.
16 comments:
Way to go Seth! I love the cars simple, yet obviously very functional design! I will have to log that into memory when Tyler is in scouts! Looks like a grand time was had by all
Congratulations, Seth! We;re proud of you!!!
WTG seth!!! That is fantastic!!!
Seth's car looks awesome! Congrats on the first place win:)
Way to go Seth. I love the camo paint job. How did you do that?
This brings back great memories, especially of Jason bringing our boys over to use Jay's tools to make their cars.
I don't miss the pinewood derby. Too much drama.
This is the first derby post (of many) that I have read and felt positive about! Honestly, it had me worried about next year. This gives me hope.
I love Seth's car. Jay is a professional....lucky boys.
wow 1st Place! That is awesome. :)
Wow! Every little boy (and his dad) dreams of winning it but not very many actually do. Great job, Seth!
Ours is coming up this weekend and we haven't even started on the car. Funny how the excitement wears off over the years. It is kinda sad that this is our last Pinewood Derby.
Jay's cars look great, too.
Now that is the way a pinewood derby is supposed to go! What, no crying boys and upset dads? Oh, that's our ward...
Congrats Seth on a great car and attitude (and congrats to Jay for letting him make his own car!!)
Congrats to Seth! I also want to know how that camo paint job was done -- very cool. I'm personally a pinewood-derby-hater, so I'm glad to hear from the enthusiast's point of view.
I'm glad I have an older boy who has done this so that I can truly appreciate what a big deal this is. 1st Place! Way to go.
I love the picture of you and Seth at the end- you both look awesome!
Not having boys, this is something I won't ever experience. It is so intriguing to me, the early competitive yet good sportsmanship lessons, the dad and son obsessively working on this car that symbolizes so much for each. Glad he did so well!
Congrats to Seth! We came in second to last (20th) place. I had to crack up at that DO NOT TOUCH THE CARS sign. I am impressed with your organized table.
Even better you got to show up. Can I say jealous??
That paint job is out-of-this-world, unlike the Space Derby, which, though it's name implies otherwise, simply isn't.
Congrats to seth! I've been to plenty of derby races in my day and winning is quite an accomplishment. His car looks awesome!
I'm finally reading this post and had to comment on Lisa's comment. yes there was a crying boy and an upset dad. They just saved their tears for the car after the race. Second place might as well be last here. :(
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