Caleb was most excited about being a Cub Scout in order to race in the Pinewood Derby. He watched his cousin take first place last year, and it was a BIG DEAL to him to do well. Matt was also very excited about his first year doing it with his son. They did a lot of research together and were both satisfied with the end product.
A few days before the race Bryson accidentally dropped the car, but Matt couldn't see any damage and the car seemed to ride the same on a slanted surface.
Caleb named his car Lightning Widow. Each car raced 4 times on 4 different tracks. Then the times were averaged together. The first time Caleb's car raced, it seemed to get stuck at the top for a few milliseconds and then followed behind everyone else's cars. Once you submit your car though, you are unable to look at or adjust your car in anyway. So broken-hearted Caleb (and Matt!) had to watch the car perform worse and worse. Caleb's car came in 3rd to last place out of about 40 cars. He is such a competitive kid and this was devastating.
After the races were over, they were finally able to look at the car. There was a small crack next to the wheel that Matt hadn't noticed. There's a lot of speculation between Caleb and Matt about what caused what, but bottom line the wheel rubbed against the side of the car and the car didn't perform well.
Caleb still put on a brave face for a picture. He knows he pretty much can't do worse next year!
Each child receives an award. Caleb got an award for the "Most Hands On." (He did all the painting himself.)
