Derby Day: Field of 30 racers participate in Pinewood classic
Louise Carroll
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Cub Scout Pack 806 held its annual Pinewood Derby on March 30.
More than 30 boys dressed in blue cub scout shirts and yellow neckerchiefs clutched their race cars as about 80 fans and spectators filled the basement of the First Methodist Church on Crescent Ave-nue in Ellwood City.
Cameras flashed as parents and grandparents got photographs of the race and rooted for their son's or grandson's car, giving the brightly lit room the excitement of an Indy 500.
Michael and Shannon Heitzer from Wayne Township accompanied their twin sons, Devan and Gregory, 9, who were there for their third Pinewood Derby. Michael Heitzer, the assistant den leader, was busy helping to get the race organized while his wife waited in line with their sons to get their cars registered.
All the scouts signed in, were assigned a number, had their car weighed, lubricated the wheels with graphite and were ready for the race.
When their name was called, the boys took their cars to the starting line, three cars at a time, and then hurried to the finish line to get their car when it came in.
The car designs were whatever the child's imagination created. They were all colors, some with elaborate designs, some plain, some streamlined, some looking like miniature soap box derby cars.
Ryan Oesterling, who lives in Ellwood City, has been the cubmaster for two years. He said the pack follows the instructions that come with the car kits.
When purchased, the car is basically a block of pine about 6 inches long with a set of wheels and axles.
"The boys can make the car any design they want. It is a car show even before the race starts," Oesterling said.
The goal of the Pinewood Derby is for each child to design and build the car himself.
"If he wins, it means he wins," Oesterling said.
Many fathers said they helped their sons cut out the design they chose, but after that, the work of sanding, painting and decorating is all done by the scout.
Assistant cubmaster for about 10 years, Connie Klobetanz from North Sewickley Township was kept busy weighing the cars. They can't weigh more than 5 ounces.
If a car was underweight, Klobetanz helped the owner add ballast by taping metal strips or coins on the bottom of the car. If it was overweight, the scout had to remove the excess.
John Franzen from Ellwood City and his son, Camden, 7, were excited for the race to begin.
"I cut out the design he wanted, and then Camden did it all, all the sanding, painting, by himself. Last year, he took fourth place," Franzen said.
Diane Schlemmer from Wayne Township was one of the grandparents there to watch as her grandson, Dakota, 6, ran in his first race.
"We raised two daughters, so I never saw a Pinewood Derby," Schlemmer said. "But I have three grandsons, so maybe I'll see more."
Ryan Wilson, 7, of Wayne Township was competing in his first Pinewood Derby as
"Ryan has been excited," said his mother, Danielle Wilson. "His dad (Doug) cut it out, and Ryan has done all the rest. Every week, he made more progress, and here we are."
Another family experiencing a Pinewood Derby for the first time was Erin and Doug Palmer from Wayne Township, with their son, Andrew, 8.
"He just started in Cub Scouts a few weeks ago, and here we are at the race. It is all new to us," Erin said.
Levi Smith, 8, who lives in Perry Township, was at his third Pinewood Derby and still enjoying it. His father, Doug Smith, is the cub pack committee chairman.
"It's fun. I had just a little help from my father," Levi said.
At the end of the race, there were winners and losers and for many the chance to race again next year.
In the winner's circle was a table with blue ribbons for the winners and a table with a checkered-flag motif with snacks for everyone.