Pine-Wood Derby 2011

I might not have blogged about last year's pinewood derby race. That's for good reason. But I'll have you know that we can talk about it now. We're no longer bitter. So what that Nick and Carson spent days (not mere hours) in Grandpa's wood shop. So what that Nick bought the book and learned every must-do technique. So what that their flaming red Ferrari lost badly. That was all last year. And we've moved on. This year Nick put all his heart (but wisely not all his time) into helping Carson make his Lamborghini "Embolado"--a shiny, silver bullet derby car. At the beginning of the pack meeting, all cars were weighed and inspected. The Embolado did not pass. It was 0.125 ounces too heavy. But Nick came prepared with his pit-crew tools and quickly drilled out some excess wood from underneath. Still too heavy. More drilling. Still too heavy. More drilling. Still too heavy. More drilling. %&#@! The drill kicked, chipped part of the car and hit one of the axles!!! Everyone knows that mis-aligned wheels lose races! (That's what the book said anyways...) Carson knew how hard dad worked on getting those wheels just right....he saw their chances at victory slip away...he was nearly (only nearly, he insists) close to tears. Nick might have said a bad word. Oh well, right? After FINALLY meeting weight restrictions, Carson entered his "Embolado" into the race.

While all of that was going on, I was busy chatting with friends and fellow parents of cub-scouts. Everyone was commenting on how awesome Carson's car looked. I couldn't help but laugh and joke about how good our car looked last year, but that it didn't help us win any races. We all laughed. But, being a little bit optimistic, I told them all to watch-out this year...cause Nick "bought the book..."

So...here's the play by play of the race this year:

Nick and Carson after passing inspection, but before the race:

Here's Nick fulfilling his role as one of the finish-line judges:

One (of the several!!!) races of "Embolado." See that shiny silver car racing neck-and-neck with that green truck:

After quite a few run-off races, it was finally declared that the "Embolado" was fastest!!! (Nick almost felt the need to relinquish his post as finish-line judge...he didn't want any bias to affect his decision, but in the end, there were enough witnesses to confirm Carson's win)

The proud 2011 Pinewood Derby Winners:

So this year's car was a complete success. The funny part? After the race I had a few parents come up to me and ask, "Now...what was that book that Nick bought?"

The "Embolado" Cheer Club: