I was recently swept away by a generations-old phenomenon known as the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. This annual competition starts small and simple with a kit that includes a small block of wood, nails for axles and plastic wheels. The challenge is to build a car for speed from these materials.Sound simple enough? In the Motor City, a town fueled by a century of auto innovations, it’s a wild ride! Everyone has their secrets to success, whether it is weight distribution, reduced friction, aerodynamics, etc. Some of these family secrets are passed down from generation to generation, and shared with only the most trusted friends.
I was initially amused by the fervor of the many thousands of local families that have participated in this signature Cub Scout event, until I realized that this spirit is so deeply connected to Detroit’s auto heritage. We love cars, and, as we continue to diversity our local economy, expanding that passion will be a key to our growth in this region.
Detroit Public TV receives so many requests for tours from Cub Scout packs, and we’ve decided to stage a “Car Crazy” event on May 3 that celebrates this scouting tradition and our region’s contributions to auto innovation.
If you share these passions, we hope you can join us. And, don’t miss NOVA: CAR OF THE FUTURE, Tuesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. Look for a new prime-time animated series this summer, CLICK AND CLACK, an amusing look at the popular public radio duo’s endless pursuit of auto repair excellence.
