On Wednesday, February 23, the student section of Carnegie Mellon's American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) chapter sponsored a Pinewood Derby Competition. Students, faculty, and visitors participated in this downsized car race. Awards  were given for the fastest car, the best paint job, the most realistic, and to the judge's choice for best overall.

Pinewood derby cars are wooden cars made from specific kits with either a long or short wheel base. The kit used for construction contains a basic block, the wheels, and the axles - enough materials to make an ordinary piece of wood raceable. According to CIT senior Matt Iannacci, vice chair of CMU's ASME, the Pinewood Derby cars are "gravity powered vehicles about 8 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1.5 inches high. Think of it like a mini-buggy."

There was a good turnout on race day. Scores were kept on a white board.

CIT junior Kelly Cronin won the first place for best paint job, while CFA sophomore Thomas Schwindling won the prize for most realistic. The first place judge's choice was Shandor Dektor, a senior in physics and mechanical engineering, followed narrowly by Christian Jobes, one of the Boy Scouts who came to compete. The overall winners (i.e., the fastest) were CIT junior Miles Thompson in first place and Christian Jobes in a close second. Not only did the winners get a certificate proclaiming their accomplishment, but they also each received a glass trophy as a reminder of their pinewood prowess.

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