Cadet Pinewood Derby

The annual Cadet Pinewood Derby was held on Friday night - February 10, 2012. This being Shane's first year in cadets we weren't sure what to expect. Shane had fun designing his car and getting advice from dad. Jer found a few of his old cars (yes, he still had them in a box in the basement) from his Cadet days (way back when).

Shane transformed his block of wood into an F1 racer, designed after our favorite F1 RedBull racing team and driver Sebastian Vettel.

Here is Shane's car

At the derby....all the boys lining up their cars.

Some photos from the races

See that blurrr....those cars are fast!

As stated above, with this being Shane's first year in cadets, we weren't sure what to expect or how he would do. We really hoped that his car would at least win one race.....well he won more than just one...

And the winner is......

Shane Van Essen!!! We are so proud of you! Shane won First place for Lower Division (4th-5th graders) and also the craftsmanship trophy!

Shane's good friend Mason, took 3rd place and Sydney's good friend Madelyn took 2nd (the GEMS girls were invited to participate in the derby as well). After Madelyn's placing Sydney said that she wants to make a car next year....fortunately Shane and Sydney will be in different divisions next year and not have to race against eachother.