Racing in the Powder Puff Derby

This year, Sherree and I decided to participate in the Powder Puff Derby (the Girl Scout equivalent of the Pinewood Derby--in fact, we even used the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Kits). I modeled my car after Greased Lightning from the movie Grease; Sherree more-or-less followed a plan she found in a book.

We made heavy use of the Dremel tool and its sanding and carving tips, though we also used a few saws, clamps and other tools to build our cars. I used a drill to polish the axels and wheels and assembled them with a little graphite to help them spin easier. We both used some extra wood to make fenders. Sherree bought a little driver for her car, while I used two Lego people (to represent Danny and Sandy). I also used a piece of leather to make the convertible top and plastic for a windshield. Some photos of the building process:

In the end, out of the 15 or so cars in the "adult class," Sherree's blue and silver car placed sixth and Greased Lightning placed fourth. We did get participation ribbons, though. To be eliminated, your car had to lose three times. Sherree and I actually only raced against each other one time, and in that race she beat me! (See the last photo, below.)