Cub Scouts compete in District Pinewood Derby

By STACY MILLBERG - Staff Writer - smillberg@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

April 06, 2008 01:06 am

— JEFFERSON — More than 70 Cub Scouts from Ashtabula and Lake counties competed Saturday at the District Pinewood Derby held at Jefferson Area High School.
Racers from 25 Cub Scout packs in Ashtabula County, Madison and Perry who won at their pack's pinewood derby were eligible to compete in the district race. The boys raced the same cars as they raced in their pack derby.
“We had to have a lot of cars modified,” said Henry Wagner of Pack #41 in Jefferson. “There are stricter rules at district.”
Trophies were awarded to the top 10 winners and the top three alternates received medals. Each of the boys who competed also received a patch for their uniform.
The pinewood derby has evolved over the years. The first pinewood derby was held in California in 1953. Since then a small industry has developed to provide tracks, timers, scales and other products, making the races more efficient.
Each scout is given a block of wood made of pine with two notches for wheels, four plastic wheels and four nails. The finished car must use all nine pieces, must not exceed a certain weight (usually five ounces), must not exceed a certain length and must fit on the track used by that particular scout pack.
The idea behind the pinewood derby is for the parent, usually the father, but occasionally the mother or grandparent, to spend time helping the child design, carve, paint, add weights and tune the final car.
Awards also were given out Saturday for the most original car and the best car design. Judges for those categories included Doug Hladek, superintendent of Jefferson Area Local School District, Joe Moroski, Ashtabula County commissioner, Greg Puzio, former scouter and pinewood derby veteran, Scott Treen, former scouter and pinewood derby veteran and Judge Robert Wynn, Eastern County Court judge.