Blake after Grand Canyon Council Race 2008This story actually begins a year ago when Blake turned 8 and had his first Pinewood Derby race (April 2007). Blake and Dad worked really hard on a great looking and very fast car. Blake's first year he smoked everyone down the track and won every race. This was a total no brainer as far as who won, right? ... WRONG! Another cute boy was awarded 1st place even though Blake's car beat his car. It was a computer error and everyone knew who the real winner was even though Blake was awarded 2nd place.
Year number 2 comes (March 2008) and Blake and Dad prepare again for the race. Knowing what happened last year, the boys worked hard to make this a fast car. The race came and our pack decided to go a different race route than the other packs in our stake. Our pack borrowed a super fancy track and set in up OUTSIDE at a park surrounded by dirt. We were told this was going to be a fast race and we would be done in 20 minutes. SWEET! Well, we go through all the races and we carefully watch Blake's race times and the other kids. Blake won all the races and beat the boy from last year by fractions of a second, but still clearly won. The other boys are chanting Blake's name and cheering him on, giving him five as he walked by. We stood waiting with the camera ready to take the winner's picture when it was announced. Just then the Cub Master announces that there has been a computer glitch!! WHAT?? AGAIN??!!! Yes, it happened to us again! They had to re-race all the cars. By this point, an hour after the start of all this, all the kids who are watching are tired of sitting and waiting and start running around in the dirt ball fields, kicking up all kinds of dirt and debris.
When Blake's car races, it flies down the track and suddenly takes a huge jump in the air and drops back down crooked on the track and then bounces again. His car had hit a rock that had flown on the track. Blake's car never recovered. He went from 1st place to 8th place in a matter of seconds. He was baffled when they handed him the 8th place when he knew he originally beat everyone! I was so proud of Blake. He had excellent sportsmanship and didn't argue to anyone about the decision. (We waited until we got home and hashed it all out together! Cause trust me, Bill and I were fumed!!)
Blake and Bill decided to make a whole new car to race at the district race (April 2008) to go for some redemption. This car was not pretty and sleek. It was not painted, it was BURNED! Yes, they took a torch to it to really give this car character. Blake raced the car at district and won 3rd place in his age category. He was awarded a trophy and qualified to race at the Grand Canyon Council race in May.
The car was taken to the Council race, which covers all of Arizona (May 2008). Blake's car did AWESOME! It was "burning" up the track! Blake was originally awarded 2nd place. Of course there was a computer glitch... and he ended up with 3rd place! Totally cool, hu!?! Blake won a trophy, a shirt with his name on it, and aFULL SIZE MOUNTAIN BIKE!!! WoW!
Now that's what I'm talkin about!
11 comments:
that is awesome! way to go Blake!
i had no idea going to the district races, could get you so far! Maybe next year we'll have to go for it! THAT IS SO COOL! they had great prizes at the Grand Canyon Council!
Oh yeah that's what I'm talking about! I couldn't believe it when that happened! Way to stick it to 'em Blake!
What an adventure! Way to go Blake! Congrats on the good sportmanship too. You are awesome!
I can't believe how big your kids are getting!!! I remember when you first had blake!!! Crazy how fast they grow up!!!
I'm glad you updated! It looks like you guys are having a busy and fun summer! It was fun to be able to see you at Cody's wedding! Are you guys coming up for any games this season? That would be fun if you could!
Bummer about the beginning but awesome attitude about the whole thing.
Way to go Blake!!!
Looks like you have been busy with scouts! I just love being consumed by my childrens activities. I mean, I would just be lazy if I wasn't. LOL
How are ya?!
Poor poor Blake! I'm sure he still had fun though! We an an Elders Q. derby and there were no rules. Some guy had made a car with 2 CO2 cartridges underneath. It had the jet stream going on and everything. Really there was no competition with him, but it was a fun night! I miss you!
hey Angela!! I'm so glad I found your blog....your kids are adorable and way to go BLAKE on winning the pinewood derby!! That is impressive! I hope you guys are doing well!
Aaaw, I love Blake, what a trooper! With sportmanship quality like that, he's a shoo-in for VP!!
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