Local Cub Scouts build, race Pinewood Derby cars

Cub Scouts from Scurry County and other parts of the region gathered at Snyder Elementary School Saturday for the Lone Star District Pinewood Derby Race.
The Pinewood Derby gives Scouts between the ages of seven and 11 the chance to learn and use lessons in craftsmanship and physics. Scouts take a block of wood and turn it into a race car by adding wheels, paint and weights.
In addition to racing the cars, scouts may vote on the car they believe had the best paint job, most unique shape, fastest-looking and overall favorite.
Carson Graf, 7, was participating in the race for the first time. He said he enjoyed building his car and decorating it, though it was difficult at times.
“My favorite part was probably painting it,” Graf said. “We had to paint the weights and had to dry them with a hair dryer. It was kind of hard. Actually it was very hard.”
Seth Cooper, 8, was also competing in the Pinewood Derby for the first time. He said he enjoyed helping his father put lights on his car.
“It didn’t take that long,” Cooper said. “I like it because it’s a good chance to have fun with friends and talk to people from other packs.”
The Lone Star District of the Buffalo Trail Council includes Cub Scout packs in Borden, Glasscock, Howard, Mitchell, Scurry and Sterling counties. In addition to Pack No. 177 and Pact. No. 178 in Snyder, several Scouts from Big Spring Pack No. 305 and Colorado City Pack No. 2 made the trip to Snyder on Saturday.
For some, the Pinewood Derby becomes a family affair.
Joe Cheyne, 12, didn’t race on Saturday, but controlled the starting blocks and watched his brother, Tyler Derouin, 8.
At last year’s race, Derouin prepared a car, but had an ear ache on the day of the race. Cheyne raced in Derouin’s place and while using his car placed first.
“That was pretty cool,” Derouin said. “I like Pinewood Derby. I like getting to spray paint the car and I like helping my dad.”