Pinewood Derby

2017 Attempt 1:  Success considered by Mom; Fail according to Bryce

This morning was the Keckler's first go-round with the Pinewood Derby race.  Last month Bryce received an unassuming box filled with a pinewood block, four nails and four plastic wheels.  Feeling a little intimidated and being limited in workbench space and woodworking tools, we enlisted the help of our good friend Matt Clawson.  Armed with a simple pattern last weekend, we got a shape cut out and sanded.  Allowed to select two spray paint colors from Menards, Bryce lovingly and enthusiastically chose metallic gold and fluorescent orange for his color combo.  We spent this past week applying layers of spray paint.  Thanks to neighbor, Mike, for the numbers and ribbon stickers!

We were able to walk to the race because it was hosted at the new church across the street. The check-in process required putting each car on a digital scale to ensure it was 5 oz or less. I was thrilled when Bryce's #13 car came well under weight at 3.0 oz.  It was only then that I realized why all these other dads were drilling last minute holes in their cars to bring the check-in weight down to regulation.  It reminded me of sweating at a wrestling meet to make weight, only Derby style this morning.  As a parent of a first time racer, I was just hoping the little car would cross the finish line (a couple cars did not!)  Unfortunately, my definition of a success was much, much different than Bryce's today.

 Buddies from Bryce's troop.  Waiting for the first heat to get started.

It was just too difficult to get good video of the cars racing down.  Bryce, in his ever growing competitive nature, was none too pleased that his car came in last place in all four heats. Next year we'll be armed with a little more competitive knowledge trying to get as close to 5.0 oz as possible.  Next life lesson: being a gracious loser.