By Jay M. Woodward
Pony Express Editor
Saturday, April 18! It was the annual NNED 600 Pinewood Derby, at the Laconia Christian School in Laconia, New Hampshire. Boys, leaders, moms and dads from all across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont came out, revved-up for this year’s competition. Countless hours were spent by the participants in preparation for the Derby, getting their sleek racing machines ready for the track. There were a total of 52 cars that competed in this year’s NNED 600! The change of location to Laconia Christian, with its static-free gymnasium, was not the only change this year. The registration process was simplified, with all race participants getting Official Driver’s Licenses, complete with pictures, in order to compete. Also, in order to ensure accuracy and eliminate any difficult calls, there was a new timer, which played a very important role in the success of this year’s Derby! One of the biggest changes, however, was the structure of the races, with two separate divisions racing, which allowed for more chances for racers to earn trophies!
Start Your Engines!
At 11:00 AM, following an opening prayer and the National Anthem, it was time for participants to start their engines! The first races were for Open Division Racing. Boys and adults who were racing for the first time this year, and had not raced at a Sectional Pinewood Derby, raced by each individual group: first the Ranger Kids, then the Discovery Rangers, followed by the Adventure and Expedition Rangers, and finally Leaders and Dads. Following the Open Division Racing, the Championship Cup Division races, for boys who had finished in one of the top three places in their Outpost race, took place. Also, there were awards for the Most Unusual Car, the Fastest Heat, and the Best Paint Job. When boys weren’t watching the action unfold on the race track, they were gathered around the NASCAR Simulator, which was back by popular demand, or were enjoying the snacks and refreshments at JB’s Snack Bar, which was coordinated by Ranger Kids Coordinator Judy Tilton. Commander Judy and her helpers made sure that no boy or adult left hungry!
And The Winners Are……..
During the Intermission, Deputy District Director Kendall Sperrey, who served as Derby Coordinator, gave a devotion, using boys and men big and small, to show them that God can use them no matter how big or small they are, that we all have our own unique gifts. Two boys came forward to commit their lives to Christ! When the last race was over, and the scores were tallied, it was time to hand out the trophy hardware! The First Place Winner in the Championship Cup Race was Josh Morin of Outpost #16 in Lewiston, Maine, followed by his brother Timmy Morin in Second Place and Havon Montoya of Outpost #40 in Plymouth, NH in Third Place! Also, boys who competed got to take home prizes which were provided courtesy of some generous donations!
This year’s Pinewood Derby was a great time of fun, competition, fellowship, and good sportsmanship by all who were present. Pinewood Derby is an event that keeps getting better every year. But, as Commander Kendall pointed out, “the highlight of the day, shining far above all the trophies that were handed out, was the two boys that committed their lives to Christ. How can it get any better than that?” As for next year’s Derby, “I am excited about the prospects for next year’s event. We have a standing invitation from a church in Biddeford, ME who would have liked to host our event this year but was unable too due to calendar conflicts. This should make a great venue for us next year as well as easier access for many of our outposts. I feel like we have gained a handle on some issues that we have wrestled with in the past and look forward to growth in numbers and quality as we move forward.” Hats off to all those involved, who came together and worked together to help bring the NNED 600 to New Hampshire!
