Jenny Scarborough
Pinewood Derby Winner Russell Stevens
Pinewood Derby Winner Russell Stevens

NCAA basketball wasn't the only bracket on Ocracoke this weekend.

Locals cheered for everyone as the fastest cars zoomed through the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.  The final races came down to the wire.  "It can't get any better than this," said Melinda Esham.

Russell Stevens won First Place with his car, "Crusader."  Mason Fuller's "Bulldog" placed second, and Cole Gilbert's "Bulletville," third.

Scouts competed head to head, with the winner of 2 out of 3 races advancing.  Leader Vince O'Neal said the derby was the "best one yet," both more competitive and more fair because of the longer heats.


Ocracoke Pinewood Derby is Best Ever!

The slower cars continued through the loser's bracket, and were knocked out for good with their second loss.

Lee Winstead lost early in a tight match with Mason's car, and then beat car after car to emerge on top of the loser's bracket, only to face Mason and the "Bulldog" again. 

Donovan Anderson was the Tiger Cub whose car was most competitive, taking out many cars built by the older Wolf Cubs.  The scouts "learn from the last years," Dylan Esham said to explain why the older boys took home the big trophies.


"It really takes work.  It takes a long time," said Russell.  "First you need to design it on paper, then cut it, get ideas and add paint and stickers.  It's really fun doing it."  Russell is a tough competitor year after year.

The race between Russell and Cole was close.  Was it also a friendly competition between dads Chip and Tyler?
The race between Russell and Cole was close. Was it also a friendly competition between dads Chip and Tyler?

"I really like doing it with my dad," said Mason Fuller. 

Parents advise and assist, but each scout designs and constructs their car from a kit that includes wood, wheels and axles.  As long as the wheel base fits the track and the cars weigh no more than 5 ounces, the boys have no constraints.

Russell's Dad, leader Chip Stevens, said the scouts are rewarded not just for engineering, but creativity and artistry.  In addition to the fastest, 3 prizes are awarded for "Most Original" and 3 for "Best in Show."

Course judges David Tolson and Dave Frum joined Pastor Laura Stern to determine the winners in those categories.  They were:

Most Original: 

  1. Edwin Perez "Slash"
  2. Alexander O'Neal "Magic"
    Jackson won Best in Show with the SS Chloe, in honor of his newborn sister.
    Jackson won Best in Show with the SS Chloe, in honor of his newborn sister.
  3. Dirk Ely "SuperTank"

Best in Show:

  1. Jackson Strange "SS Chloe"
  2. Dylan Esham--Skateboard
  3. Christian Trejo "Lego Monster"

Tiger Cub leader Tyke Ely said he saw on line that it's possible to also have a Pinewood Derby for Dads, if anyone is interested for next year!