So before I write about what happened tonight, I want you to read my post from last year: Last years Pinewood Derby recap. Go ahead, I’ll wait, just come back when you’re done…
So basically, this year was exactly like last year. Sometime last week I told Michael that when we were finished with this car, I wanted to start on next years car almost right away, like in a few weeks, so we would have plenty of time and didn’t have to rush. I said the same thing last year.
Last year I said this:
Since we were running so close with time this year I feel like we missed out on some things that really would have helped Michael’s car do better, like doing a better job of polishing the axles, or sanding the car even smoother to cut down on friction. Our axles were bent and I didn’t even try to straighten them, and I thought about trying to align the wheels but just didn’t have the time.
Those things are the EXACT things I wasn’t happy with about Michael’s car this year.
Last year I closed by post by saying:
Finally, a special thank you to Kate, for allowing us to take over the kitchen table for the past few days, and not getting too mad when I spent money on stuff for a wooden car.
Well, same thing this year.
Kinda strange how this works out I guess huh?
Last year, in Michael’s first year, he placed 4th out of 17 kids, missing 3rd place and a trophy by not much at all.
Anyways, on to the good stuff I guess…
This is obviously a VERY rough cut. I drilled the holes in the back first before I cut the general wedge shape with a coping saw. The cutting would have been much easier if I had a vise to hold the block. Also, if we had a vise to hold the block, I would have made Michael cut it instead of me.
This is the finished car, rear left. Notice the personalized license plate!
This is the front right of the car.
This obviously is the bottom of the car.
I don’t have video yet like last year. But, when I get it, it is going to be sweet. I borrowed an HD camcorder from work and I need to transfer the video over… I will do it as soon as I can.
Well, so about the results…
Like I mentioned, last year, 4th out of 17 kids.
Tonight Michael placed 2nd out of 16 kids. Way to go Michael!
Congratulations Michael! I am so proud of you and really relieved that there is only one more year of this derby stuff!!!
Way to go Michael!!! And good on you Michael’s dad. (I am SOOOOO incredibly glad that we didn’t mess with derby this year!!!!!)
Great job CHris, oops, I meant Michael. I can’t wait to see the trophy. Congratulations Michael!