Photos by Douglass Huxley Scouts watch as pinewood derby cars race to the finish line Saturday at the Kootaga District Pinewood Derby held in the College Activities Center at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

PARKERSBURG — The Annual Kootaga District Pinewood Derby was held Saturday in the College Activities Center at West Virginia University at Parkersburg with eight packs being represented.

“So each one of the packs holds its own individual kind of derby, and then this is for the winners on the pack level,” Alan Campbell, scoutmaster for Scouting America Troop 20 said.

He said the event allows scouts to “build a car all their own” and “exercise creativity” in designing and engineering their vehicles.

“They get to figure out how to make it faster, and tweak their design,” Campbell said. “In the end, you know, they’re placing their cars up there on the track and competing against other scouts. So it’s just a fantastic event.”

He said regulations are designed to ensure an even playing ground and to promote skill development.

“The regulations ensure that all cars meet certain standards, such as weight limits and wheel types, to maintain fairness,” Campbell said.

The competition consisted of four heats with each derby car competing for the best time. That time was recorded for each scout, deciding the winner of the overall competition.

Kennedy Mahoney, Pack 91, used precision to ensure her pinewood car was lined up perfectly for each race. This attention to detail allowed Mahoney to set a course record in her heat with a time of 3.1092 seconds, equating to a ‘scaled’ speed of 230 mph. This time was also good enough for Mahoney to take home first place overall.

Kathy Wise, marketing and communications volunteer, said COVID has impacted the derby the last couple of years but interest in scouting is growing as the district welcomed two new packs in Ripley and Grantsville. She said the event was an opportunity for scouts from the different packs in the district to come together, compete and create new friendships.

“It’s all about the kids,” Wise said.