By Jay M. Woodward, Pony Express Editor

On Saturday, April 12, NNED Royal Rangers held the 3rd annual NNE 600 Pinewood Derby at the Curtis Lake Christian Church in Sanford, Maine. A total of 41 boys and 15 leaders registered cars for the Derby. The contestants spent weeks cutting, sanding, painting, fine-tuning, and putting the finishing touches on their sleek racing machines, and now they were ready to compete. Deputy District Commander Kendall Sperrey, who served as Pinewood Derby Coordinator, along with his pit crew, had spent hours preparing the church gymnasium and track for the day’s event! Indeed, everyone who came was really “revved-up” for this year’s Derby, which included many proud parents cheering in the stands!

After the morning registration, participants got their cars weighed to determine if they qualified, went to the tune-up station if necessary, and waited on the edge of their seats for their car to go zooming down the track. After the opening prayer from the track chaplain, Pastor Tim Haynes, and then the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, it was time to hear the familiar, “Start Your Engines!” The race announcer was none other than District Commander Jerry Love. Each age group raced together: first Ranger Kids, then Discovery Rangers, Adventure Rangers, Expedition Rangers, and finally Leaders. Following these races, there was the Grand Championship, which was the big prize that everyone was most excited about!