Submitted by
Carl Lundstrom, Cubmaster Pack 20
Photo by Kelly Wells
Pinewood Derby Race cars.
Give a Cub Scout a simple block of pine, and imagination takes the wheel. Before long, that block becomes a finely tuned race car, ready to fly down the track.
Cub Scout Pack 20 recently held its annual Pinewood Derby Race on January 17th at Big Canoe Chapel. While it may not be NASCAR, many would argue it’s even more exciting. The event brought together Scouts, families, and friends for a morning of creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Each model-sized car was designed and built by Cub Scouts working alongside their parents, transforming pinewood blocks into one-of-a-kind racers. The completed cars then sped down a specially constructed indoor track in the Chapel’s Cousins Hall, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. The Pinewood Derby continues to be a cherished Pack 20 tradition—celebrating craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the joy of racing together.
And, what great-looking cars they were. Best Scout Theme & People’s Choice Award – Avery Hollingshead, Most Patriotic – Chance Moore, Best Cartoon Theme – Josiah Tanner, Most Realistic Looking Car – Tate Shostak, and Best Wood Carving – River Wells. But, it was Finn Bird who took top race honors with “best overall time” edging out two others, including second place winner Paisley Reynolds, and third place winner Elizabeth Rizk, in a thrilling finish.
Also receiving awards for fastest time as den leaders were, Owen Rizk & Parker Coker (Lions, Kindergarten), Elizabeth Rizk & Josiah Tanner (Tiger, 1st Graders), Paisley Reynolds & Milo Pizzutiello (Wolves, 4th graders), Ethan Morton (Bear, 3rd Grader), Finn Bird & Abby Hastings (Webelos, 4th graders), Ian Morton & Charlie Leverett (Arrow-of-Light, 5th graders).
Carl Lundstrom, Cubmaster for Pack 20 said, “We owe a big thank you to Big Canoe Chapel for use of facilities, plus volunteers from the Chapel as our Official Race Starters and Design Award Judge. Everyone, Scouts and families alike had a fun-filled day.” Cub Pack 20 is chartered by Big Canoe Chapel.
The Pack serves families from Pickens and Dawson County. Families interested in joining Cub Scouts with youth K-5th grade can contact Pack 20 through our website:
cubpack20.com.
