Fast thrills at Pinewood Derby

WINSTED — Cub Scout Packs 17 and 27 held their annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Center Firehouse on Elm Street.

According to event co-organizer and Pack 27 pack master Gina Sartirana, this year’s event was the first time both packs combined for the derby. 

The race is a national Cub Scout tradition which started in 1953 and has been passed along for many generations.

To take part in the race, the Cub Scout must make a derby car out of a block of pine, four plastic wheels and four nails.

The car itself can be designed in any way, but it must not exceed five ounces in weight.

The cars are raced, three at a time, on a specially designed wooden track.

“I don’t know how many years we’ve been doing this for, because it feels like we’ve been doing this forever,” Sartirana said. “We have 37 racers this year. The race shows the kids how to be competitive, and it teaches them to be better sports. It’s not just about racing, but it’s also about cheering on your fellow racers.”

Ed Pilko, Pack 17 pack master, said the Pinewood Derby helps Scouts develop creative skills.

“They can also learn about teamwork and fair play when they cheer their competitors,” Pilko said. “When it comes to scouting in general, I could talk all month about the benefits it provides. When it comes to creating a good derby car, the weight needs to be put in the right place.”

The Scouts designed their cars to make them look like race cars, military vehicles and several variations of the Batmobile.

Results 

Tigers

First place: Joey Mazza

Second place: Nathan DellaValle

Third place: Aiden Southworth

Wolves

First place: Nicholas Waters

Second place: Mathew Hass

Third place: Parker Godfrey

Bears/Webelos

First place: Derek Johnson

Second place: Colton Zawisza

Third place: Ewan Oakes-Rogers

Pack 17

First place: Joshua Paige

Second place: Jackson Pilko

Third place: Henry Benge Mazza

Grand Finale Best Overall Winners

First place: Nicholas Waters

Second place: Derek Johnson

Third place: Colton Zawisza

Best of Show, Scout Favorite Car

Derek Johnson 

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