Pics by Katie H

Pack 871 in Richardson, Texas held their Pinewood Derby last Tuesday night at Dartmouth Elementary School.  For the first Pack meeting of the year, the turnout was pretty good! Making a showing were Tiger Den 3, Wolf Den 4, Bear Den 6, Webelos Den 7, and the Flaming Eagle Patrol. Hats off to Cub Pack Master Jeremy Wanamaker and the volunteers of Pack 871, pulling it all together for a fine race. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Symbols’.

Three boys stood out in the competition this year, Beckett Wanamaker, Ryan S., and Lucas H., all placing in each race. Beckett and Lucas prevailed in the end. This was Ryan’s first year, so next year—watch out!

When asked how long it took to finish the cars, Beckett and Lucas claimed it only took them two days from start to finish. I imagine it took the whole two days! Beckett, Cub Master Wanamaker’s son, has been at it awhile. This was his fourth competition. By now, he’s learned a few things. “Yeah, I sanded it myself,” he said proudly.

The Specifics from the Boys

When asked where each of them decided to put the weight on the car, the each had different answers. Beckett said, “I put mine on the bottom.” Ryan, on the other hand, “drilled into the back.”

Beckett was also asked what was done differently with his car. “Mine had a stop sign and yield sign painted on it because the theme was ’signs’,” he said. Signs, symbols…we know what he meant! Ryan was proud of his blue stripe right down the top of the car.

The Pinewood Derby continues to represent friendly competition and sportsmanship. These boys will never

Pic by Katie H

forget the time they spent with their parents learning all about these cars. Very likely these boys will grow up to know the hobby and compete outside of the Boy Scout arena, but there’s also a chance they may decide to run for office one day! Boy Scouts of America turns out more than it’s fair share of tomorrow’s leaders.

What do they plan to do with the cars now that they’ve raced them? “I’ll lock it up somewhere!” said Ryan. Said Beckett, “I’ll keep mine as a souvenir, I have a whole shelf of them.”