Pinewood Derby Finds “New Life” in 2010

By Jay M. Woodward

Pony Express Editor

Satur-day-Satur-day! May-day! May-day! It was the 2010 NNED 600 Pinewood Derby! Boys, dads, and Commanders from all over the District came to the annual event, with their hand-crafted, sleekly painted, fine-tuned racing machines, to have fun and hopefully bring home some shiny trophies! This year, Pinewood Derby was held at the New Life Church in Biddeford, Maine, which has a large gymnasium and facilities that made it an excellent venue to hold the event. Pinewood Derby Coordinator Kendall Sperrey commented, “I thought the facility was the best we’ve had. The accommodations met all our needs.” The name of the church was also fitting, as this year’s Derby was also open to Mpact (Girls Ministries) girls. There were several girls who made cars and they were eager to show that they could keep up to speed with the boys and bring some “new life” to the competition! (check out the photos!)

Start Your Engines!

Indeed, there was much excitement the morning of May 1st, with boys and girls playing games in the gymnasium before the race while the final preparations were being made for the track, including the NASCAR Simulator, a popular item at Pinewood Derby that was back again this year! The races opened with the playing of the National Anthem, and the emcee of the races, District Director Jerry Love, getting the crowd “revved up” as only he can do! Commander Jerry gave an opening prayer, and reminded everyone that God is to be honored in all we do, win or lose. Then, it was time to…..START YOUR ENGINES!!!

The Derby began with races in the Open Division, which was for those boys who did not place in the top three positions in their Outpost Derby. Each of the four Ranger age groups, leaders and dads, plus the Mpact girls, got their turns down the track, and setting new speed records in the process! The next set of races was for the Championship Division races, which was for the winners of Outpost races, among each of the four different age groups. Finally, there was the Grand Championship, which was the race for the big hardware prizes! All the while, the crowd watched in excitement as the different cars went hurling down the track at breakneck speeds! All this excitement made for hungry race fans. Commander Judy Tilton was ready with the Snack Bar, complete with burgers, dogs, nachos, pretzels, chips, and drinks, which provided plenty of fuel for anyone who needed a fill-up!

Fuel For The Soul

However, the most important fuel is for the soul, the fuel that only Jesus Christ can provide. At several points during the races, videos were played on the big screen, featuring the testimonies of various racers to their faith in Christ, including Darrell Waltrip. Despite his many wins on the racetrack, Waltrip said, “He is First, I Am Second.” Also, Commander Kendall gave a great devotion, and gave a call for those who have not done so to come forward and accept Christ. This, not the races, not the trophies and prizes, is what the Rangers ministry is all about!

And The Winners Are…….

After all the races were completed, it was time to hand out the hardware! Winners were announced for both Open and Championship Divisions, and the Overall Competition, in which Joshua Morin (OP#16) won 1st Place, followed by his brother Timothy(2nd Place) and Ryley Paquette (3rd Place). Also, there were awards given for Most Unusual Car, and Best Paint Job (for complete list of winners, see below.) Of notable mention, Ivy Davos became the first ever Mpact girl to win a trophy at Pinewood Derby! Congratulations, Ivy! In addition, each winner got to pick from various prizes such as mugs, T-shirts, and inflatable footballs. Commander Judy also gave each Ranger Kid in attendance a copy of the devotional “Jesus Wants All Of Me.” These gifts, and Commander Jerry’s closing words of prayer, brought the NNED 600 to a Grand Finish!

Reflecting on this year’s Derby, Commander Kendall said he was most excited about the “sportsmanship and camaraderie among boys and Commanders who attend the event.” As for future involvement of Mpact girls, he said, “I’m excited to include Mpact girls and look forward to building their participation level.” Indeed, this year’s NNED 600 showed that Rangers and Girl’s Ministries can work together to have good fun and reach boys and girls for Christ! So, look out, guys! It looks like the girls are going to have an “Mpact” on Pinewood Derby!

WINNERS OPEN DIVISION

Ranger Kids:

Connor Murphy

Josh Richards

Discovery Rangers:

Hunter Knowlton

Joshua Mariello

Ian Wood

Adventure Rangers

Alec Silva

NathanMcWilliams

Anthony Martel

Leaders

Mike Morin Bruce Paquette Kendall Sperrey Girls

Ivy Davos

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

Ranger Kids: 

Timothy Morin

Jake Parsons

Dawson Furge

Discovery Rangers:

Joshua Morin

Gabe Swanson

Adventure Rangers:

Michael Catanzaro

Davis Furge

Derrick Stanley

Expedition Rangers:

Ryley Paquette

Xavier Hahn

OVERALL (sec. total)

Joshua Morin (15.4042)

Timothy Morin (15.4520)

Ryley Paquette (15.6696)

BEST PAINT JOB-

Jake Parsons

MOST UNIQUE-

Ryan Willette