February 8, 2008

Scouts will compete in Pinewood Derby

“Gentlemen, start your engines” may not alert these young racers for several years, but the Pinewood Derby is exciting competition for Cub Scouts.

A cub scout poses with the pine car he built for last year's Pinewood Derby.

Up to two thousand Cub Scouts are expected to fill the center of Eastridge Mall to rival each other with their miniature cars. The Coyote Creek District provides the scout with a block of pinewood, four plastic wheels and four nails. The Scout has to use all nine pieces to build the car, and it must conform to weight and length limits. The creative spirit with carving and decorations adds individuality to the racers. The cars are powered by gravity as they come down the tracks to the finish line.

The Pinewood Derby will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. The Derby is an annual event for Scouting, but this is the first competition to be held in a large setting.

Major supporters include the City of San Jose, Beshoff Motors (Mercedes-Benz), General Growth Properties (Eastridge Mall), Times Media Inc. (Evergreen Times), Evergreen Business and Professionals Association (EBPA), Plaza Dental, Starbucks Coffee, McDonalds and individual contributors Van Le and Minh Duong.

Spectators are welcome to cheer on the racers. For more about the Pinewood Derby, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinewood_derby