Welcome, Race Fans!

...to the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Participating in the event are the Wolves, Bears, and Webelos from the Plano 5th and 7th wards.

This is Sam's "license" to drive. In preparing for this event, Sam went to Kyle and told him that he wanted to build a really fast car, one that would win. Kyle said "Okay." He told Sam to do some research and let him know what he would like to do. Sam and I went to the library and found some books on making a pinewood derby car but it wasn't what he was looking for. Then Kyle found a book at Barnes and Noble about pinewood derby speed secrets. Sam read it from cover to cover. Kyle did not read it at all. Sam picked out the ideas he wanted to use and told Kyle about them and they built the car together according to what Sam wanted. He, of course, picked a Star Wars name, Tantive IV. It's not a real Star Wars name because you won't find it in any Star Wars movie but Sam is always making up new tribes and species of creatures and new kinds of ships and Tantive IV was one of his creations.

This is Sam's friend, Shai. He is a wonderful friend to Sam and I just appreciate him so much.

Pay no attention to the man behind the microphone. Instead, focus your attention on the slightly out of focus cars in the background. Sam's car is in the middle. Tantive IV won every race it ran.

Here is the illustrious event organizer, not to be confused with a community organizer.

Since Sam's car won every race it ran it was in the Grand Prix finale race. So much excitement surrounding this race.

This is Sam's Bear pack. His wonderful leaders are Sister Noah and Sister Bickmore.

Tantive IV upclose right before it ran the Grand Prix. Sam's car won the Grand Prix and he was so excited he was jumping up and down.

Jacob was a super big brother that night. He was cheering Sam on and every time Sam's car won Jacob would give him a big air high five.

Sam posing with his First Place trophy, his car, and his participation certificate that read "Most Likely to be Found in Outer Space".

The winners of the Pinewood Derby. Jordan Wisor on the left in third place with Black Bullet. David Peck in second place with Doorstopper. Sam Winkel in first place with Tantive IV. It was a great night and we all had so much fun.

I am really proud of Sam's hard work. He set a goal, made a plan and worked toward it. I'm so glad he has a trophy that he can proudly display. Hopefully this experience will help him make and work toward other good goals. Way to go, Sam!