For all current and former Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby racers, it’s time again to whittle a new car or restore old ones to their former glory — the district competition is coming back to Kalispell on March 16.

The last district race was held in Kalispell roughly five years ago, according to Pack 4905 Cub Master Mike Close. Close is chairman of this year’s district competition.

Two tracks will be set up at Kalispell Center Mall for the races — one for Cub Scouts to race and an open class for the public.

Cub Scout Packs 4905 and 4948 gathered in the East Evergreen Elementary Feb. 15 to show just how fast their Pinewood Derby cars could go down a four-lane track set up in the gym.

How is a Pinewood Derby race car made?

“Easy,” 10-year-old Scout Tyler Toavs said. “You have to make it smooth and you need weights.”  

A Pinewood Derby car starts out simply as a square block of wood. Kits are available that contain the basic parts to make a car: wood, nails (for axles) and wheels, but it’s the imagination and ingenuity of Cub Scouts and their adult guides that has shaped the cars from a block of wood to a Hershey’s candy bar on wheels or a blue muscle car.

“From that,” Close said, pointing to a plain block of wood, “it turns into this,” holding up a Batmobile-like derby car.

Most, if not all, of the cars have added weights for extra speed. Close said derby cars may weigh up to five ounces.

Toavs constructed his derby car with help from family friend Heeth Young.

“Each Cub Scout is responsible for building their own car with the help and supervision of an adult,” Close said.

Toavs’ race car was completed with a painted yellow finish, a few bullet-shaped fishing lure weights placed as passengers on top and two pennies affixed to the front and rear of the car.

This little yellow car brought Toavs a first-place finish in his pack race.

“We used what was available to us at the time,” Young said. “We had to make it a certain weight so we put the pennies on to bring it up.”

Segmented weights that can be trimmed to size are another popular choice.

“A lot of kids will drill holes in their car and they’ll implant the weights,” Close said.

Pinewood Derbies are an opportunity for different generations to bond, Close said. Close remembers his Pinewood Derby days as a Cub Scout crafting race cars with his dad.

“I remember spending time with my dad. Building the car, that was a memory I like. The actual competition — I never won a Pinewood Derby as a kid, so none of the derbies stand out in my mind,” Close said chuckling.

For some Scouts it is a tradition.

Six-year-old Garrett Bosch had his red-and-black car, “Zeus,” on display in a trophy as the winner of his pack race. Bosch built the car with his dad.

Until he makes a new car, Bosch practiced racing a derby car his father built as a Cub Scout.

For the district race, Bosch is building a derby car he calls “King Cobra,” and will attend with his father who also plans to race.

Den leader Jenny Rau was with her son, Matthew, 8. Both had derby cars in the practice runs. Matthew Rau built his triangular, wedge-shaped car dubbed the “Green Hornet” with his grandfather, a former Cub Scout.

“We decided on the shape because we looked on the Internet and we saw it was the fastest car,” Matthew Rau said, running his hand along two race stripes going down the length of the car.

Jenny Rau held onto her pink derby car, “The Pink Panther,” which had the familiar face of the pink cartoon feline affixed to it.

“This is actually my car from 30 years ago. My brother was in Scouts so I got to do a Pinewood Derby car, too,” Jenny Rau said.

For other scouts, the Pinewood Derby is an exciting new experience. Toavs, for example, just joined Cub Scouts.

Toavs said his car never quits.

“He’s the best car ever,” Toavs said.

And if the car races at district, Toavs said, “It will blow everybody’s mind.”

Racers and enthusiasts are invited to attend the district Pinewood Derby from 10 a.m. to noon March 16 at Herberger’s Court in Kalispell Center Mall.

Open class races cost $1; proceeds benefit district Cub Scout special events such as day camps. Cub Scouts race for free.

“We’re hoping we get a really good turnout this year,” Close said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.