Pinewood Derby event fosters creativity and family bonding time

Inside the crowded auditorium at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Henderson, 15 Cub Scouts and their families from Troop 342 gather around northwest resident Brent Bulloch. They talk excitedly as they prepare to race their cars in the annual Pinewood Derby race.

But this competition isn’t all about the trophy; it’s about the time spent with family.

“This is really a celebration of families getting together, especially of fathers teaching their sons,” Bulloch said. “I’ve been hosting Pinewood Derby events for years. I like to see the kids’ eyes light up and see the result of their efforts.”

Bulloch began hosting Pinewood Derby races in 2004 after his wife brought him a 42-foot aluminum track.

“We’ve been doing this annual event with Brent for 10 years,” said Tonya Leavitt, Cub Scouts committee chairwoman. “Brent’s great at getting the kids excited and making it a fun event.”

Before the race, each car goes through a test run and some go to “the shop” for an engine tuneup, meaning a graphite lubricate lift.

Then, the group of 8-, 9- and 10-year-olds line up their cars, which run the gamut from a Minion from “Despicable Me,” “Batman” and military-themed cars.

“I love how this competition not only brings families together, but it teaches the kids positive skills and how to compete in a healthy way,” said Chantal Burbank, mother of one of the participants.

The Cub Scouts received a Pinewood Derby car kit in December equipped with a block of wood, four wheels, nails and some imagination.

Children and their families then have two months to saw, sand and design a vehicle to race during the competition.

“Everybody wants to know what is the key to building the fastest car,” Bulloch said. “Graphite lubricant, polishing the nails and pushing the wheels up further can make a significant difference in speed.”

Most Pinewood Derby cars travel at a scale speed of 60 mph, according to Bulloch. He uses a computer-based electronic timer to keep track.

To keep the competition fair, Scouts have to abide by a few weight and dimension rules.

Each car races four times, and Bulloch uses a computer to generate the schedule.

Mollie Gillespie was excited to watch her 9-year-old son Ben compete in the race.

“This is my son’s first official Pinewood Derby race,” Gillespie said. “He’s very excited about the race, and I like that it helped him spend time with his dad. It was a great bonding opportunity.”

“I think I’ll probably win,” Ben said. “I love anything that involves race cars, and I liked spending time with my dad and my friend.”

Bulloch hosts Pinewood Derby racing competitions for Boy Scout troops, businesses and companies and charges $125 to $150 per event.

As the host, Bulloch enjoys giving microphone time to each participant so that they can describe their car and give a shout-out to those who helped build it.

The first-place car belonged to Josh Nicolaides, who was awarded a box of candy.

In addition, awards were handed out for the most realistic and most creative designs.

“My son has been so excited about today, and the car wasn’t too difficult to build. My son just drew a picture for me, and then he painted it gold,” said Jeff Seegmiller, the father of one of the participants. “This is like the Super Bowl of Cub Scouts for the kids.”

For more information, call Bulloch at 702-460-1020.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.