Eli's final pinewood derby race

Eli made his final pinewood derby car this year.  He drew how he wanted it cut from the top and side.  After it was cut Eli and Dad added weights until it was just right.  Then Eli painted it, first with silver spray paint.  After the spray paint dried he added stripes and head lights with paint.

When they went to the weigh-in Eli was impressed with the many cool looking cars -- a Star Wars ship by Jacob (our neighbor), a remote control car, and many others.

The next day at the race we learned there would be 72 heats, so that each of the 36 boys would race twice in each of the four lanes.  They had a computerized track that calculated the winners at the end.

Eli's car is in the far right lane, facing backwards.  He tried backwards to see if it was faster.  It was a very similar time to the first, forward facing race, so he left it forward for the remainder of his races.

Eli came in first twice, second four times, and third place twice.  He ended up in 11th place overall.