Photos and text by Marilynn Young
Wolfs, Bears and Webelos in Laguna Beach Cub Scouts Pack 38 transformed rough blocks of wood by shaving, painting and precisely adding spinning tiny wheels to create aerodynamic machines.
Their inaugural race, the annual Pinewood Derby, was held held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Park Avenue last month.
With cars named Flaming Skull, The Ming Mobile, Downhill Jet and Silver Bullet, they raced 18 times for the coveted title of overall winner. Webelo Emerson Gallard, 10, emerged holding the winning trophy with the most wins, taking first place in all 18 races with his racer Mach 5. It was his third year racing and his best finish.
Derby racing started with the Scouts in 1953. The contest is meant to foster sportsmanship, good citizenship and personal achievement while having fun.
Pack 38 committee chair Shirlyn Kesler said, “As long as it goes down the track, they are a winning participant and that’s why I made sure every boy got an award.
