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Pinewood Derby Stories and Photos from Maximum Velocity
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PINEWOOD DERBY MEMORY The Thirty-Minute Car
Two years ago we held a pinewood derby workshop as we do every year on the eve of our race. A boy named Chris came in with his car kit untouched. So we helped him cut out the design he wanted. He then took about ten or fifteen swipes across his newly formed car with sandpaper, and added some stickers. We helped add weight, install the wheels and axles, and lube the car. In all, he spent about 30 minutes on the car (in contrast, my two sons and I had about 15 hours in our cars).
The next day at the derby we all watched in complete astonishment as his car raced down the track. It was very fast and was beating almost every car it raced! When the dust finally settled he came in fourth place and was sent on to the district derby.
For that one young boy it was all he needed to feel like he was the greatest pinewood derby racer. Seeing the look on his face when he was handed the 4th place trophy, and his ear-to-ear smile was more than enough for me to want to help as many boys as possible in the years to come.
John Henderson Garrett, Indiana
From Pinewood Derby Times Volume 1, Issue 15
A pinewood derby memory is an occasional part of the Pinewood Derby Times Newsletter. To subscribe to this free e-newsletter, please visit: www.maximum-velocity.com/subscribe.htm