Story and photos by Master Sgt. Lisa Hunter
USASMA PAO

The thrill of race day was in the air at Biggs Airfield Chapel Annex, Saturday, as Cub Scouts from Pack 316 lined up at the starting line for their annual Pinewood Derby.

"This is a major event every year," said Cub Master Judy Tomlinson. "In fact, it's usually the highlight of the Cub Scout year."

More than 20 scouts put their talents and skills to the test on the racetrack with miniature cars they designed and built themselves. While each driver was issued a license, driving skills weren't part of the competition.

Through nine heats, two racers at a time carefully placed and aligned their cars at the top of the ramp of the straight-away track. From there, aerodynamics and gravity did the rest. With a flick of the lever, the wooden pins dropped, setting the two cars in motion, while the "drivers" sat at the other end of the track to watch the outcome.

Each scout started a month ago with a block of pine, a set of wheels and axles. The pinewood kits were donated by the Netherlands, lending an international flare to the event. From that rough beginning, the scouts carved, painted, put on the axles, wheels and added weights, said Tomlinson. Each car could be no larger than 2" x 7" and weigh no more than five ounces to qualify. The amount and placement of the washer-shaped weights is a major factor in the cars' speed, according to Tomlinson. Webelo Tyler Jones, who won first place for most original, put a lot of thought into his design. "It's the kind of car I want when I grow up," he said.

Designing the cars is a major part of the Pinewood Derby experience, according to Tomlinson. "This competition teaches the boys sportsmanship, cooperation and patience in making their cars," Tomlinson explained. "They also learn a little bit about woodworking."

On race day, each "driver" carefully weighed his car, sprinkled graphite dust on the axles - to ensure the wheels turned smoothly - and then let them roll. Each Scout competed in nine races.

At the end of the races, nine-year-old Wolf Scout Matthew Burns walked away the undefeated champion. Matthew credits his aerodynamic design for his victory. "We slanted it down so it would go faster," he explained.

Regardless of their final standings, all of the Scouts left feeling like winners. Each boy received a ceramic plaque to commemorate his participation. The plaques were made and donated by Teresa Hardin, a former Scout mother.

Pack 316 will next compete at the district competition in El Paso. All of the Scouts that designed and entered cars will compete. Pack 316 is sponsored by the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Biggs Airfield residents who are interested in joining the pack may contact Judy Tomlinson at 562-7371.