The race isn’t always just about the finish line.
It’s a lesson that Alexander (9) and Jaden (7) Donahue have learned at a young age.
The Boy Scouts’ annual Pinewood Derby was held in Mahomet on March 30. But the boys knew they had a lot of work to do to get ready for race day.
They worked with a family friend to cut the shape of their race car. Jaden’s car had a smooth aerodynamic top, while Alexander’s was a little more boxed on the top.
The boys then worked with their grandpa to attach the wheels to their cars.
“My grandpa tilted them a little so they wouldn’t hit the sides and would go a little bit faster,” Alexander said.
Then, their grandma helped them put the finishing touches on the vehicles. Jaden painted his car his favorite color of green.
Alexander chose to paint his car light blue with a purple stripe down the middle because those, too, are his favorite colors.
The boys also decided to place the numbers 9 and 7 on their cars to represent their ages, and lightning bolt stickers on the sides to add flare.
It was through spending time with their loved ones that they learned that it’s not just about whose car finishes first on race day.
“You get trophies and it’s not all about winning, it’s just all about how good you do,” Alexander said. “I just like to see how good my car is, and I like to race against people.”
“You get to race, which I love doing because it’s okay if you don’t win because you still get a trophy sometimes and some not, but it’s okay because it’s just a race,” Jaden added.
Activities, cookies and friendship are also what the boys love about race day. This year, neither Alexander or Jaden placed high enough to receive a trophy, but they are still holding their heads high.
“It’s okay because we can make a trophy,” Alexander said. “And it’s just about trying your best. That’s what it’s about.”
Alexander and Jaden joined Boy Scouts because they wanted to have an opportunity to camp and fish more often. They are also looking forward to going to a baseball game with their troop this summer.
