Firms, Scouts roll off in Corporate Pinewood Derby

In the end, the winning car wasn’t even made of wood.

A stainless steel car, made and raced by employees of Duke Manufacturing, took home the coveted first place trophy after setting new track records and beating out the competition at the first Corporate Pinewood Derby, hosted by the Osage Trails District of the Great Rivers Council.

Sponsored by W-K Chevrolet and State Fair Community College, the Corporate Pinewood Derby pitted area businesses against each other in two derby challenges. In the first race, businesses and individuals had to compete with Cub Scout rules, using a car kit that included a block of wood, four nails and four wheels. Weight and width requirements meant all the cars were on an even playing ground to start.

Orrey Atkisson, this year’s Cub Scout Pinewood Derby district champ, went on to win the first race, beating out Waterloo Industries, who took second, and Andrew Poteet, the Wolf district champion sponsored by Starline, who placed third.

“I used the same car as I did in the other derby,” Atkisson said. “I didn’t change anything so I wasn’t expecting to win.”

“It feels good to lose to an 11-year-old,” joked Waterloo Industries employee, Bob Drexler. “He had a good car. And it’s for charity anyway, a good cause.”

Jonathan Cartner, district executive for the Osage Trails District, said the Corporate Derby was a way for businesses to get involved in friendly competition. “I think a lot of people participated in the Pinewood Derby as Cubs and dads, so it’s a way to relive those days,” he said. “And it’s gives them a chance to show off their creativity, especially in the second race.”

The second race was “no holds barred” with no rules or regulations for cars. Race winners. Duke Manufacturing, took home first place after a record setting 2.587 second race, which equaled 230 mph.

“Our company told us they had entered in the Derby and they wanted us to make a car,” said employee Rob Rider. “It took about two weeks from design to completion; we cut the steel on a laser and then used micro-machining to remove any friction. It feels great to win and help a good program.”

Cartner said the Boys Scouts raised $4,500 from the Corporate Derby and plans are already being made for next year’s competition.

“I grew up in California and this was the first I’d ever heard about a Pinewood Derby,” said Kenny Childs, an employee at Duke Manufacturing.

“But I had a lot of fun. I’ll keep building derby cars for Duke as long as they want to enter. It’s a good cause, good for the community and good for the Scouts.”