Bowman Wins at First District Pinewood Derby Championship All of the participants gather for the final championship heat at the 2001 Mississippi District Pinewood Derby. The district pinewood derby was held on February 9-10 at Ranger Trails Camp. More than 80 cars from across the state participated in hopes of earning the title for fastest pinewood derby car in the state. Cars were also judged for their design with three trophies awarded. The event began on Friday evening with practice and fellowship. Many took advantage of one of the most popular parts of the derby: the concession stand. Thanks to Jack Dunn and his rolling concession stand, everyone enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, candy, nachos, and much more. The lodge was decorated with all sorts of racing displays and paraphernalia. Race coordinator, Mickey Howard, worked very hard to make the event memorable. "I appreciate all the work he [Mickey Howard] and Jack [Jack Dunn] did to prepare the camp for the derby." said District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "I was so impressed. They went way beyond my wildest imagination by hanging flags, putting up signs, setting up displays, getting the trophies, cleaning out the Quonset hut and so many other things. I think they are the reason the race, I believe, was a success." Saturday, registration began at 7:00 a.m. Cars were weighed and inspected and placed on a table with the other cars by age group. Parents and leaders also participated in the race. At 9:00 the event officially kicked-off with a devotion by Rev. Hayward Youngblood. His message encouraged us all to invite and allow the Holy Spirit to be at work in our lives. Following the devotion, the group was split with the Trailblazers and Challengers were sent to the Quonset hut where two tracks were setup for them. The Buckaroos, Straight Arrows and Pioneers raced in the lodge. Each entry ran in double elimination heats. Winners advanced for trophy placement while the others went into a concession race category. The concession racers were also rewarded with first, second and third place ribbons. The winners of each age group joined together for the championship heat with the winner taking the First Place Overall trophy. Michael Bowmen, of Outpost 7, Magnolia Springs Assembly of God in Hurley won the title of fastest car in the state. Note: This race was another learning experience for use of the camp facilities. If you have a comment or suggestion, please don't hesitate to give me a call or email me your thoughts. We want each event to improve. Without your ideas we are forced to plan everything ourselves. You can email me at: Leantree@aol.com [Back to Top of Page]

RELATED Photo Gallery Click here to see photos of the 2001 District Pinewood Derby. See Our Pinewood Derby Pages 2001 MS District Pinewood Derby page. Visit the National Royal Rangers Derby Pages See examples of derby cars and much more! Pinewood Derby Trophy Winners Overall Champion First Place: Micah Bowman Second Place: Cody King Third Place: Chris Kyle Best of Show Straight Arrows & Buckaroo Catagory: Clay Harmon Pioneer, Trailblazer and Challenger Catagory: Cody King Parent & Commander Catagory: John Moorehead Straight Arrow Winners First Place: Walter Davis Second Place: Joshua Wilson Buckaroo Winners First Place: Micah Bowman Second Place: Daniel Wilson Third Place: Ryan McCoy Pioneer Winners First Place: Cody King Second Place: Johnathan Blackwell Third Place: Bill Bates Trailblazer Winners First Place: Arron Ratliff Second Place: Noah Tanner Third Place: Alex Felter Challenger Winners First Place: Chris Kyle Second Place: Robin Blake Third Place: Marc Landers Powder Puff First Place: Sarah Harmon Second Place: Heather Dunn Third Place: Logan Howard