MARLBOROUGH – Cub Scout packs 31 and 41 conducted their own major sporting event on the Saturday of Super Bowl weekend.
Scouts and their families filled the gym at Jaworek Elementary School to engage in the annual Pinewood Derby.
Dozens of cars, made and decorated by the Scouts, competed against each other for the honor of being crowned city champion, with a trophy and bragging rights for having the fastest wheels.
In addition to the fastest, the Scouts could also cast votes for the best-looking vehicle.
Last year’s creative champ, Zach Goetz, entered a cheese car complete with a mouse driver.
The members of Pack 41 raced first, followed by Pack 31. Den leaders and pack masters acted as the pit crew. They made sure the entries were in their proper slots and kept track of every heat.
Six at a time, the entries zipped down the track. Their finish times were recorded electronically and posted instantly.
The top entries from each pack race advanced to the city champion race. After that, the Marlborough Hudson Girl Scouts held their own race.
Cub Scouts and their families surrounded the staging area, cheering on the entries.
For several pack members, this was their final Pinewood Derby. They will soon move on to Boy Scout troops in the city.
“It feels weird,” said Colin Barry, who competed in his sixth and final derby.
He was last year’s defending champion. He’s heading to Troop 2.
Winners
Pack 31 – 1st, “Worcester Turnpike,” time of 2.575 seconds; 2nd, “Hot Dogger,” 2.646; 3rd, “#2 Pencil,” 2.648
Pack 41 – 1st, car #55, 2.642; 2nd, car #53, 2.648; 3rd, #56, 2.656
Cub Scouts City Race – 1st, car #9, 2.580; 2nd, #21, 2.640; 3rd, #53, 2.647
Marlborough Hudson Girl Scouts – 1st, #25, 2.636; 2nd, #14, 2.642; 3rd, #6, 2.650
