Scouts, siblings, veterans race at Pinewood Derby

NORTH CANAAN — Cars veered across lanes and flew off the track. The crowd cheered on their favorites and “drivers� vied to end up in the winner’s circle. It was the annual Cub Scout Pack 22 Pinewood Derby, held Saturday, March 6, in the North Canaan Elementary School gym.

For the first time, derby results were tabulated by computer and projected on a screen, setting a faster pace as the carved, painted and often humorously themed racers, plastic wheels lubed with regulation graphite, sped through elimination rounds.

Cub Scouts and their families crowded around the four-lane downhill track to cheer on Scouts, siblings, den leaders and community entrants who competed in their own divisions.

When the Marines Corp vets from North Canaan and Litchfield AMVETS arrived, the competition escalated. But it was 5-year-old Caitlin Sorrell, competing in the siblings division, who would give all the big guys a run for their money.

As the competition continued into the semifinals, the veterans joked that Caitlin’s prize would be a trip to Paris Island. Someone else shouted out that if Caitlin won, the vets would have to join the Girl Scouts.

Her sweet little derby car served her well, right down to the final race, when it was edged out by the AMVETS. The Marines took third place, accepting their trophy along with a “crying towel� from the AMVETS.

Other event highlights included an award to Brandon Sorrell for selling the most candy in the Scouts’ recent fundraiser.

Every Cub Scout participating in the derby was entered into a drawing for a new bicycle. The winner was Warren Eichman, who happened to be celebrating his ninth birthday. He told The Journal he had asked for money for his birthday to put toward a much-needed new bike.