Since we were never in the Scouts, our knowledge of their traditional Pinewood Derby is limited. We know that the cars start out as wooden blocks and that each kid is supposed to fashion their own racer with the help of an adult. We’ve also heard stories of parents who kind of assume the role of project dictator and totally push the kids out of the process. All that being said, we found a story that features the wisdom of a guy who seems like the Don Garlits of Pinewood Derby racing.
Hell, this guy machines down the freaking nails that hold the wheels on the car! It should be noted that he is not building these cars for his kids, the man actually competes in an adult division, which he’s won for the last four straight years.
Some of the tips and tricks that Mark Bradshaw uses when building his Pinewood racers are thoughtful and neat, although it does come off extreme enough that he would make a fitting character in a Christopher Guest film. Don’t think so? He’s in a different league than us when it comes to these little babies. We’d never even consider using powered graphite to lube the axles of the car.
He’s got a seven year old that was able to compete for the first time at this year’s event, he didn’t win, but we think dad’s playbook may be put into effect to keep that from happening again next year.
Source — HCNOnline.com — Big boys, Little toys
