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it was an easier (one block) design - but, for the first time - he included lights and sound on his car. It was a 'Disco car' - featuring working disco lights on the dance floor (thanks to a couple contributing donations from a flashing toy), sound from a Hallmark card with Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland' on it's sound chip, and a little disco ball hanging from a wire. Glue a couple Lego people on there in full disco mode and you have a party on a pine block. We never bothered weighing the car, and it weighed in at barely above 3.8 ounces (the weight limit is no heavier than 5 ounces - the heavier the car, the faster it will run)

His heat came, and our pack allows four runs for each heat - letting each car run down each lane once to allow for lane issues. My son's car came in third on the first heat, and it wasn't even close. He clocked just above 3 seconds and the last place car limped to a 3.2 second finish. The second heat was similar. If my son's car can't even lose his heat, how could he possibly finish last? We crossed our fingers and hoped for a wheel to bust off. The third heat again found my son's car crossing the line in third place. All our hopes rested upon a disastrous finish - perhaps the electronics soldering could spontaneously combust and our little pine car could burst into flames. We watched, hoping, praying, but our fears were confirmed. His car again cruised into third place in the final run. All hope was lost. His mantle as 'Pack's biggest loser' was usurped.

The awards were handed out and the trophy for last place was given to someone else. A trophy to some kid who actually wanted his car to go fast. The kid lofted the award above his head halfheartedly and seemed a bit confused about why he got a trophy. My son was disappointed that his car did not come in last (much in the same way as the other kids were disappointed that their cars did not do better). It felt odd to console a kid for his car not doing worse, but we reminded him that the award given for the last place finish would undoubtedly not exist were it not for his casual attitude towards winning and losing.

If you had told me before my son was born that our Pinewood Derby experiences would end up bringing home a dejected son after a disappointing finish - that I would have believed. But, if you had told me his disappointment would be due to a finish HIGHER than expected...well, I doubt you could have persuaded me that this would be the case. I am very proud of my son's attitude towards his Pinewood Derby cars - it's not every kid who can take losing as a badge of honor. I can't help but feel sorry for the poor kids who have to go on and compete at the next level.

Learn more about this author, Joe Mitchell.
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