John de Montmollin, youth and family educator with the county UW-Extension demonstrates the preferred method for holding a pinewood derby car. The car he is holding is one he built himself 30 years ago.
Kenosha County 4-H hosted its first Pinewood Derby Monday night.
Participants and spectators filled the hearing room at the County Center in Bristol. Participants were broken into several classes by school grade. There also was a division for adults. Over 140 cars went out, John de Montmollin, youth and family educator with the county UW-Extension, said.
In pinewood derby, cars are assembled from kits. The cars must meet certain specifications for weight and size, but there’s a lot of leeway for creativity within those standards. A great variety of approaches were in evidence Monday night.
Participants competed for first second and third prizes in each category, as well as a best of show and slowest car category. Each car raced in three heats to determine its score. A video replay was available to settle any contests to close to call with the naked eye.
Here’s some video of scenes from the competition:
