This competition has quickened the competitive energies of countless fathers across the nation who would gladly vote this sport into Olympic level status.

BYU's annual Pinewood Derby will take place Saturday, July 15 from 10:30 am to noon in the WSC Terrace.

The Campus Life Events Management Team has organized the derby for the past three years and encourages participation in the event. About 50 participants have already registered for Saturday's competition.

"Campus Life's purpose is all about inclusion," said Katy Argyle, a member of the organization. "Our goal is to serve the students and hold activities for people with different interests whether it be athletic, theatric or mechanic."

This particular Pinewood Derby is an opportunity for those who may have never participated in a derby before to get involved.

"I always felt left out as a little girl when the Boy Scouts got to work on their cars with their dads," said Lisa Sperry, with the Events Management Team. "People just enjoy themselves. The ideal outcome is for everyone to have fun."

Campus Life took several measures to ensure everyone who wanted to participate would have the opportunity. They are providing a workshop located in 3400 WSC where everything from tools to paint is available and some items can be rented.

"I saw dads with their sons working on the cars," said Debra Wells, assistant to the director of Campus Life. "I would overhear the fathers saying, 'Now what color are we going to use on our car now?' It was so cute!"

Two different groups will judge the contest. There will be official judges who will select winners for the following categories: True Blue BYU, My Major on Wheels, Best TV/Movie Theme and Best Finish and Detail.

The other group of judges will be composed of the individuals that attend the derby. These "People's Choice" judges will vote who they feel deserves the Most Creative, "E" for Effort and Best of Show awards.

"The people that choose to participate have a good time," said Jim Slaughter, director of Campus Life who also served as a judge at last year's competition. "Some couples enter as a team and make a car together. It's fun."

Heather Purser, an audiology and speech language pathology major, is entering the contest as part of one such team. She last entered a derby when she was 13 and said she looks forward to participating again.

"I had the slowest car, so I'm hoping that things go better this year," she said.

There will be first, second and third place prizes awarded by the BYU Bookstore, who is also sponsoring the event. First place will receive a $100 gift card, second place will receive a $50 gift card, and third place will receive a $25 gift card - all redeemable at the BYU Bookstore.

"Even if people didn't make a car, they can still come," Sperry said. "They can still vote on the panel of "People's Choice" judges. We'll also be giving away 500 official BYU Pinewood Derby car air fresheners."

"Down and Derby" starring Greg Germann, Lauren Holly and Pat Morita will be shown in the Varsity Theater free of charge at 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Friday evening as part of the Pinewood Derby festivities. The track used in the movie is the same track that will be used in the derby Saturday.

Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Jul 2006