By Isabella Zarate
The Pinewood Derby has been a Scout tradition for nearly 70 years. What usually starts as a block of wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles often transforms into screaming kids, cheering families, and a bunch of miniature cars racing to the finish line.
For Mahomet’s Cub Scout Pack 25, participating scouts are given a kit and sent off to build and design the car, typically with the help of an adult.
Pack 25 members have been tediously crafting their cars since December and are eagerly anticipating as the big day quickly approaches.
This year’s annual race will take place on Saturday, March 25 in the Lincoln Trail gymnasium. The race itself will begin around 10 a.m., though doors open for registration at 9. Also at 9, the pack’s Bear Den, a group of third grade scouts, will be hosting various carnival games.
Cars will race by age group and awards will be given based on the fastest times in each group. Awards for things such as best design will also be handed out.
Pack 25 then selects the top three cars by speed from the entire group. They then sponsor those scouts as they have the opportunity to go on and compete in the Council’s Derby.
Joe Barnes, a Scout parent, volunteered to coordinate and run this year’s derby.
“It’s really about spending the time with your scout.” Barnes explains, “putting in the hours to build a car, figuring out what makes the car go fast, trying to entertain the requests from your kids to build these amazing cars.”
Barnes jokes how his daughter asked him to help carve her car into an eagle.
Aside from the building, planning, and designing, Barnes says the Pinewood Derby is also about the competition.
“The ability to compete amongst your friends and have a good time is really something that comes to light.”
Racing and competition aside, the Pinewood Derby creates memories.
“I have my Pinewood Derby cars in a box somewhere from when I was a kid,” Barnes adds.
Pack 25 invites the community to join in on the event whether just to get out of the house or to relive memories of your own.
“We are always welcoming the community to see what we are doing.”
