April 16, 2003

Scouts revved about annual Pinewood race

District Pinewood Derby Race held Saturday at Central Grade

   There are 53 Packs (groups) with a total of 2,000 Cub Scouts in the District and 30 Packs with a total of 1,000 Cub Scouts in Grand Traverse County. The Cub Scouts must finish either first or second in their home pack race in order to compete in the District Race, which is held in Traverse City each year in April.

Herald photo by Garret Leiva This year's Pinewood Derby Race featured 162 racers and more than 500 screaming fans.

   Building the car is a parent and son project with the emphasis on fun and family time spent together. This year’s race featured 162 racers with about 40 in each division. More than 500 screaming race fans were in attendance consisting of Scouts, family members, relatives and friends. Awards were given for the top four finishers along with a best design award in each division

   2003 District Pinewood Derby Results:

   Tiger Cub Division - Scouts in First Grade

   • 1st Place – Michael Siciliano, Pack 134, Traverse City

   • 2nd Place – Carl Gardner, Pack 26, Old Mission

   • 3rd Place – Luke Somsel - Pack 61, Wellston

   • 4th Place – Brain Johnson - Pack 103, Williamsburg

   • Best Design – Alec Nall, Pack 132, Traverse City

   Wolf Division – Scouts in Second Grade

   • 1st Place – Ryan Harwell, Pack 167, Manistee

   • 2nd Place – Kyle Ringwelski, Pack 27, Traverse City

   • 3rd Place – Lucas Unruh - Pack 31, Traverse City

   • 4th Place – Ryan Steffes - Pack 27, Traverse City

   • Best Design – TJ Harbaum, Pack 17, East Jordan

   Bear Division - Scouts in Third Grade

   • 1st Place – Brandon Morrill, Pack 167, Manistee

   • 2nd place – Nathan Helsel, Pack 154, Manton

   • 3rd Place – Alex Ringel, Pack 106, Bear Lake

   • 4th Place – Thomas Updike, Pack 174, Reed City

   • Best Design – Austin Tondreau, Pack 30, Traverse City

   Webelos Division - Scouts in Fourth and Fifth Grade

   • 1st Place –Isiah Zack, Pack 67, Honor

   • 2nd Place – Ryan Travis, Pack 31, Traverse City

   • 3rd Place – Ian VanDePerre, Pack 141, Benzonia

   • 4th Place – Wayne Crawford, Pack 141, Benzonia

   • Best Design – Ryan Travis, Pack 31, Traverse City




This year’s District Pinewood Derby Race featured 162 racers and more than 500 screaming fans that filled the gymnasium Saturday at Central Grade School in Traverse City. The District Race covered nine counties in northern Michigan and included 53 packs with a total of 2,000 Cub Scouts, with half of those in Grand Traverse County. Cub Scouts must finish first or second in their home pack race in order to compete in the District Race, which is held in Traverse City each year in April.