CUB SCOUTS, “START YOUR ENGINES” by John P. Flannery

Doug Matyas, in the foreground, setting the contesting cars, Steve Krise (facing the anxious scouts and parents), all waiting for the next race - score board to the right, finish line (straight ahead).

On February 9, 2012, Cub Scout Pack 962 gathered at the Lovettsville Fire Station on the Berlin Turnpike for their annual Pinewood Derby.

Scouts build cars from wood, often from a kit with a block of pine, attach wheels and metal axles, and follow special rules.

We’re not talking soap boxes on roller skates going down huge hills where you usually get hurt.

We’re talking about miniature cars that run on gravity down an inclined track and, if designed well, your car comes out first.

Those of you who may not feel rule bound should appreciate that there is an official kit with official wheels and axles placed in standard axle grooves – and the axle must be visible from the underside of the car.

One parent asked if a battery on one car was there for weight or did it provide power.  As that “car” slipped to last place, the concern evaporated.

Of course, each “car” is inspected and approved or not – good practice for emissions tests yet to come.  No liquid lubricants, thank you very much.

Only authorized persons, den leaders, are allowed on or near the race track – oops, should have read that beforehand.

Parent Brian Stearn, trained as a civil engineer, discussed whether it was best to have the weight at the back of the car given the curve to the straightaway.  Evan, 10, his son, had made his vehicle into a Star Trek Starship.

Doug Matyas, a Den leader, and one of the official starters, placed the cars at the top of the track and, when they were ready, they were simultaneously released, racing down the curved track to the flat, passing the assembled cub scouts, scouts and parents cheering, waving, shooting pictures, and celebrating the winners. 

Doug’s son, Nicholas, said, “I got first.”  What kind of a car do you have? “It’s a Bat Mobile.”  It turned out that Nicholas was the Pack 962 Grand Champion.  Holy Jeepers Batman!

Steven Krise, another Den leader, was maintaining decorum and stoking enthusiasm, as if the latter was much of a chore.  His son won as well.

This is our biggest event of the year, Steven said.  Judging by the smiles and energy, it really was.   

Detroit watch out – here they come – well here they come, maybe twenty years from now.