Albion Scouts show creative side in building Pinewood Derby cars

Posted 21 March 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – The group of winners in today’s Pinewood Derby include, kneeling, from left: Jason Conn, second place; Anthony LoGalbo, Best In Den Tiger Cubs; Donovon Braley, first place. Standing, from left: Xavier Penafiel, third place; Dylan Narburgh, Best in Den Bears; Austin Narburgh, Best in Den Webelos; Ethan Merrill, Most Original; Oliver Beach, Best in Den Wolves and Best in Show.

Jackson Ward won the Judges’ Choice Award for the car that best represented the Cub Scout way and motto of “Do Your Best.”

By Thom Jennings
ALBION – Cub Scout Pack 164 in Albion held its annual Pinewood Derby this afternoon at St. Joe’s Catholic School Lyceum. The pack is chartered by St. Joe’s Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus.

The first Pinewood Derby in the nation dates back to 1953, and has become a rite of passage for many parents. The kids get the kit to build their car one month ahead of time, and are allowed to build the car with the assistance of a parent or other relative.
The rules are simple; the car must be made from an official Pinewood Derby kit and cannot weigh more than five ounces after it has been modified.

In addition to the racing component, there are prizes for the best design, thus racers must decide whether they will forego the laws of aerodynamics and opt to win the best design, or strike a balance between the two.

(Thom Jennings took these photos of some of the cars.)

Police Car by Oliver Beach

Angry Birds by Nick Baxter

Snake by Brayden Ryder

Minecraft by Zack Baron

Ninja Turtle by Teigen Bieber

A group of Scouts, including Sawyer Braley at right and Scoutmaster Mike Beach, stand around the microphone and sing the National Anthem.