The Zoomer

This January was Landon’s, and our, first Pinewood Derby.  Shane figured out that it was his first of probably twelve Pinewood Derbies, with three for each of our four boys to compete in!  Shane and Landon started by doing some research online, and they found a book about building a Pinewood Derby car. Shane had Landon read from the Pinewood Derby book to find some things he wanted to do.  Landon read to have one wheel a bit higher than the others so that really only three wheels touch the track, minimizing the friction.  He also read about putting most of the weight in the back, and a few other tips.  After gathering their research, they got to work.  Landon was really excited about working on it, and Shane was good and had him do all the work.

  

It took many nights to finish it up, and a few mishaps (mostly a cracked car the night before when Shane was trying to cut out a little more space for some more weight.  Luckily wood glue did the trick to keep it together).  Davis and James kept themselves entertained while Shane and Landon were working dressing up like a superhero and a bad guy.

 

Finally, the night of the race arrived.  I think Davis and James were just as excited as Landon was, or maybe even more.  Before leaving, Shane reminded Landon that this is really about the experience of building the car, and that hopefully it will win some races, but just to have fun.  Landon was excited when his car won the first race it was in.  Then, it won another.  Before long, Davis hurried over to us and said that Landon’s car, the Zoomer, had won six times.  His car wouldn’t start out in front, but always by the end, it will glide ahead of the others before crossing the finish line.

   

Before we knew it, the “Zoomer” was in the final heat, to race four times on each track against the other top three cars. Davis and James were so excited by this point that they were jumping up and down, cheering on each time the car raced by.  I didn’t get a good picture of them, but they were quite the fan club. 

   

And the winner!  I told Shane we’re in trouble now!  The pressure’s on for future years.  Davis came home and drew a picture of the car he wanted to make for the Pinewood Derby and wanted to get started on his right away.  Shane was relieved it was all over, and glad that it wasn’t quite time to start another one quite yet.