March 14, 2008

TimesVideoLink Eastridge Mall hosted the event, the first time the Derby has been held in a public venue. The space made great viewing opportunities for the hundreds of spectators. Every race car is inspected to meet the race regulations.

Pinewood Derby: Race to victory

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Right after Cole Walker, Sr. finished a stirring Star Spangled Banner, Cub Scouts took their positions on the racetracks for the Pinewood Derby for 2008.

Christa Lawson, 7, from James F. Smith Elementary, proclaimed, “Girls and boys, start your engines” and for three hours, the fastest of the handmade racers competed for victory. Four groups of Webelos and one open group sent 82 cars down the four separate computer-controlled racetracks in 7 to 10 rounds before the winners were determined.

The Pinewood Derby is an annual event for Cub Scouts. Each Scout gets a pinewood block, asset of wheels and lets imagination take over. Within guidelines, The Scout is free to carve, paint, embellish and prepare the car to get the most efficient use of gravity and friction.

“The Pinewood Derby is a great tradition,” said Dave Cortese, San Jose vice-mayor, “and an opportunity for parents and child to further bond through a fun activity.” Cortese recalled his own long involvement with Scouting and helping his children with the Derby. The vice-mayor presented Cecil Lawson, chairman of the Coyote Creek District with a city commendation.

The winners of the Tigers (first grade) were Aaron Enriquez, Pack 149; Nicholas Galbo, Pack 166, and Kobe Nguyen. Photos by Coyote Creek District	In the Open class, Girl Scouts Kaitlyn Wong and Sydney Brewster were champion and runner-up while Kyle Carbonell came in third.

The Coyote Creek District was recently formed to cover most of south and east portions of Santa Clara County.

Milpitas mayor Jose Esteves also presented his city’s commendation, noting the new Coyote Creek District, one of four in Santa Clara County, has over 100 Cub Scout Packs.

Sponsors of the Pinewood Derby included: San Jose vice mayor Dave Cortese, Milpitas mayor Jose Esteves, Eastridge Mall (General Growth Properties), Beshoff Motor Cars (Mercedes Benz), Evergreen Business and Professional Association, Plaza Dental Group, Score! Educational Centers, Evergreen Times (Times Media Inc.), Milpitas Post, Starbucks, McDonalds, Sports Chalet, Re Robin, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Van Le (San Jose Coty Council candidate), and Minh Duong (San Jose City Council candidate).

Miles Dumanig, Pack 166, led the winners for the Bears third grade), followed by Jordan Miller, Pack 166 and Alec Coburn, Pack 222.	The fourth and fifth grade Webelos champion was Mathew Dumanig, Pack 166; Austin Enriquez, pack 149 placed second, and Andrew Fragala scored the third place trophy.
For the Wolves (second grade) Micholl Dumanig, Pack 166; Michael Fragala, Pack 222, and Kenneth Carbonell, Pack 166 took the honors.	The Cub Scouts Packs competed by class groupings.