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Pinewood Derby Stories and Photos from Maximum Velocity
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PINEWOOD DERBY MEMORY My Three Sons
As a Cubmaster with three boys in Cub Scouts, I didn't know anything about pinewood derby racing when I first started. But I always believed in my sons doing as much work as they safely could. They would do about ninety percent of the work with me by their side helping them, or they watching what I was doing. I always believed in the "Do your Best" motto. More importantly was that they were happy with the way the car looked. I would suggest that they do a little more sanding, or touch up the paint, but only if they wanted to do it.
The best my oldest son did was about 10th place. I learned how to build fast cars with him.
My middle son came in first place two years in a row. At the end of the race he was hearing some comments from his buddies like, "I bet next year he'll win again". So when the next year came, I suggested we do something different and not worry about speed. He agreed. So when the next race came we made a great looking hot dog on a bun. Talk about NOT being stream lined. Well, he came in fourth place in the race and won "Best of Show".
Now my youngest son, who is a Webelos 1, knows what he wants. He wants low, slick, and fast; and he has come in first or second place every year. But, the best thing is that we have fun together and learn from each other.
The Pinewood Derby Memory is a regular feature of the Pinewood Derby Times Newsletter. To subscribe to this free e-newsletter, please visit: www.maximum-velocity.com/subscribe.htm