Derby Day

Will participated in his very first Pinewood Derby a few weekends ago.  He and John (mostly John) spent a week getting his car ready.  Will picked out the design and did the painting, but John spent a fair bit of time adding weights to the car, sanding the axles and wheels, and making whatever legal modifications can be made to a piece of wood to make it faster.

My only contributions were fixing some painting snafus, and a last minute panicked trip to Ace Hardware on the eve of the derby to weigh the thing on the official scale:
 

(We were using my kitchen scale and John got the car to the maximum weight EXACTLY and was so proud, until I pointed out that I had no way of knowing if that scale was accurate.  But it was, thank goodness.)

John participated in one Pinewood Derby in his cub scouting days, and he came in last.  So he was determined that Will's car would not be last; I think he was exorcising some old demons with all that preparation. :-)

Will, all ready for the race:

After that stinker of a picture, I told him these were going on the blog where all the grandparents would see it.  That produced some smiles--he wanted to look good for his audience:

Will and his school buddy, Jacob, checking out the competition. 

 Jacob won the Wolf scout division easily--his car shot down that ramp like a guided missile.  His mother said they had a book on making derby cars, so I think I know what John is getting for Father's Day.

The bling:

Spectating:

On your marks, get set.....go:

Will's car came in 3rd in two heats and 4th in the other.  He was thrilled and thought that was as good as a win.  And then he ran off to play tag with his buddies without waiting to see the rest of the race!  His competitive streak has clearly not kicked in yet.

I was just relieved it made it to the finish--not everyone's car did--and was also glad that we were not the owners of the car that jumped 2 lanes and took out 2 other cars.  Although the boys thought that was pretty awesome and just like a Nascar wreck.

Trophies all around:

And more play time on the practice ramps:

Anna took a turn:

Will's den:

No one placed for speed, but two of the boys received trophies for creativity, so we were proud.

And, as we finally left and were walking to the parking lot, the back wheel fell off of Will's derby car.  And I might have whispered a "thank you" to the car for not losing that wheel two hours earlier. :-)