The Future of the Pinewood Derby
"Down and Derby" This 2005 screen gem is a comedic look at the Pinewood Derby from a
behind-the-scenes perspective. Phil Davis, played by Greg Germann, has
come in second place to Ace Montana, played by Marc Raymond, since
about second grade. Now both are middle-aged fathers and their kids are
competing in the annual event. The fathers can't help but dredge up old
grudges and take over the construction of the cars as the competition
heats up. In the end, the sons teach their dads a few life lessons.
Derby historian Gary McAulay said this level of parental
hyper-involvement is often the case at the races (though not always)
and said many races have an "open" class race for the fathers and
mothers. This gives them a chance to vent their passion for competition
and leave the kids to race without the full parental press. |
Pinewood Derby, and all its variations, will continue to remain in the memories of kids and parents for years to come. Jim McCarthy, Program Director for the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the council area that once hosted Don Murphy, said he believed it was basic human nature to be creative, to have fun and to bond with others who have the same interests. This was, and is, the essence of the Pinewood Derby and scouting. "From our side of things, it was maybe a good thing the derby became universal, there was a desire for it," he said. "It's gone everywhere. It has a life of its own and we can share that."
Others feel the same way. Gary McAulay mentioned the tears in Don Murphy's eyes when he brought the elder statesman of the sport to one of his derbies a few years before Murphy passed away. "I could swear there were tears in his eyes when he saw what was happening," McAulay said.
Steve and Jennifer Jacobs and Stuart Ferguson see the passion that drives people to race tiny cars down a tiny track every day. "This is racing, and racers push the limit," Steve Jacobs said. "It's about being the best and fastest. When one guy comes up with something new, the next month everyone else has it. It's just human nature."
And Bill Launius knows that human nature all too well. "Kids love racing and we're all kids at heart," he said. "It's just something we're drawn to and we'll keep racing. Period."
For more information about Pinewood Derby cars and other related topics, roll on over to the next page and follow the links.
