Derby Day
Christian took home the 1st place trophies for Fastest, and for Most Original design. The speedy "Today's Special" is a rolling sub with wooden lunchmeat and cheese. Christian is a big fan of sandwiches and Ocracoke's School Road Deli, too.
Danny Badillo and his "Batmobile" took 2nd place in speed, followed by Gabriel Brown, whose car was green with blue stripes, in 3rd place.
The cars race down a special Pinewood Derby track that was purchased for the Scouts about 15 years ago. They are saving money for a new aluminum track that won't have the bumps and warps that the aged wood track is showing.
To make the races fair, each contest is a best 2 out of 3, and the boys (and their cars) switch tracks on their second run. If there's a tie, then a coin toss determines who chooses their preferred side of the track for the tiebreaker.
The 2016 Ocracoke Cub Scout Pack 290 Pinewood Derby was organized and presided over by pack leaders Vince O'Neal, Ivey Belch, Jason Daniels, and Rob King. I've often observed that guys love a bracket, and the Pinewood Derby is no exception – it's a double-elimination tournament. David Tolson was a volunteer judge at the finish line, along with Brian Snow, who is the Boy Scout district director for our area and visited Ocracoke just for the event.
Participants included Tiger Cubs (1st grade), Bear Cubs (3rd grade), and Webelos (4th and 5th grades.)
In addition to speed, the cars are awarded certificates and trophies for Most Original and Best in Show. I'm not sure what the difference is, but the car designs and paint jobs are so clever and meticulous and carefully constructed, it makes sense to award the boys' efforts in as many ways as possible. 2nd place Most Original went to Mau Guerrero for the Ocracoke Lighthouse car, while Will O'Neal took 3rd place with his blue Tony Hawk skateboard design.
Danny Badillo was also awarded 2nd place Best in Show for the Batmobile; Carter O'Neal placed 3rd with the "Chevy Chevelle Supersport." The Best In Show category first place winner was Jayden Dominguez and the "Green Dragon."
Congrats, boys!
