For starters, the race was truely larger than life......LITERALLY! The entire race was projected onto the BIG SCREEN. The image was approximately 18' x 18' ! The cars themselves ended up close to 3 feet wide!
This event is a fundraiser conducted soley by the adults for the boys. The committee decided the proceeds from the event would go to items that were on the "wish list". The event this year will provide the funds for an electronic timer to accompany the digital finish line.
The way it works is too simple!!! Adults approach area businesses and sell an entry (or several) to the race. Each entry cost $25. For the entry fee they receive one legal Pinewood Derby car kit, instructions and a reserved entry into the race. Corporate sponsors own, build and race the car(s). The sponsors are made fully aware that this is an event by and for adults. (Of course if a business wants to let a child race, they may. Afterall, they own the car!) It's important they realize that this race is a separate event from the cub scout race and their participation (or lack thereof)in no way affects the cub scouts' race.
Cars that showed up on race day received a hand made walnut stand to proudly display their car. Engraved on each stand was "Corporate derby 1997"
Businesses are grouped into race divisions based on their business type. They race among themselves and the division champs receive a NICE trophy to display alongside their car. Once all divisional champs are finalized, the Grand Champion race is held. The Grand Champion receives a traveling trophy which has not only their company name engraved on it, but the names of all of the preceding Grand Champions from days gone by!!!
Needless to say, with a small effort, the race pays great dividends, not to mention all the fun that was had by the adult participants on race day! Many of our other past contestants are chomping at the bit to have another race! We hope to again expand the effort this year and include more of our potential volunteers for this years race. This event was a real winner past two years, and we're hoping for another big jump in success this year!!
We have included our Derby Announcement and Derby Rules as Microsoft Word documents below to help any potential entrants. The following documents include all the necessary rules and requirments for entry into our Corporate Derby plus contact information.
As of release of this update, the available documentation is still 1997's stuff. With the magic of cut & paste, it will work well for '98 too.
Corporate Pinewood Derby Announcement
Corporate Pinewood Derby Rules
Pinewood derby projected onto the big screen!
A couple of close ups of the cars
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