Pinewood Derby - First Time

Dad and Collin entered the Pinewood Derby cub scout race Saturday.  Instead of making his car for him like other Dad's did, Dad helped Collin research ideas but Collin designed, sanded, cut and painted his car.  Dad also made a car because he never got to when he was a scout. Collin said I could not see the cars being made because it was a secret.  He wanted me to wait see the finished product.

First there was a lot of sanding that had to be done.  Collin thought it would take forever and that "I am going to die first".  Dad tried to explain the benefit of the sanding but that did not help too much. Collin still did it though.

Looking bored but at least he kept up with the necessary sanding

Next, there was a lot of drilling and sawing that needed to be done.  Collin did most of this himself using tool Pappy loaned us.  This was at least more interesting and held Collin's attention longer.

Making the groove for the wheels

"How much more sawing is there?"

Dad's car is taking shape

After about two weeks of building the car, they were ready to be officially weighed and turned in.  They could not weigh more than 0.5 ounces.  Both cars were light so they added more weight to the back to get as close to the heaviest weight they could.

Dad's car's first weigh in at 0.24 ounces.  Must add more weight!

Collin's car's first weigh in at 0.45 ounces.  So close!

Introducing Orange Tiger!!!

The final weight of both cars was 0.49 ounces.  They were then given a number each and then registered.  Colin named his car Orange Tiger and Dad named is Brett Favre because of the colors of the car.

Race day was finally here!!  Both boys were really nervous about the race because they did not get to test the cars and none of us knew what to expect. First up were the Tigers which are the youngest group.  Collin was focused and watched all of the races.  Next up was Collin's group, the Wolves.  His car raced in four races which an average of 3rd place at each race.  He did not know it at the time, but his car would not win an award or advance to the finals.  Dad's car did well with his consistently coming in 3rd place as well.  When it was time for the awards, Colin was not happy he did not get one and held in his disappointment until we go into the car.  He started crying hard and said he never wanted to enter the race again.  He also wanted to throw away his car.  We did our best explaining that not everyone could win and that he eventually be fine.  He needed to keep his car because it was his first one.  He did not care about the car still but I did keep it for him.

First race.  Orange Tiger is the last car on the right

Brett Favre and Orange Tiger (middle) in the transport case after the official weigh in

Getting ready for Race #2 (Orange Tiger is on the left)

There they go!

Trace and Collin showing off their cars

Collin watching his car race

The boys checking out the competition

The next day, Mimi came to the house after watching Collin's soccer game in the morning. He proudly showed her his car and went outside to show her how it raced.  We did not say a word about him being happy that he still had his car.  Showing Mimi was enough to let us know he was just in the emotional state of losing and feeling the pain of that lost.  Good to know he does have some competitive blood in him.  We generally don't see it.