No fuel required for these racecars

These racecars don't have name-brand sponsors with high-profile drivers. But the competition can be as fierce as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Meeks Lumber and American Family Insurance will offer youth of all ages the opportunity to create their own pinewood derby cars in preparation for the Nevada Day Pinewood Derby.

Employees at Meeks will cut the cars from kits " available for $4 each " and can give the entrants pointers on building a pinewood car. A track will also be in place to test the cars. Meeks Lumber is at 2869 N. Carson St.

Andy Prause, store sales manager for Meeks in Carson City and Gardnerville, said they will have band saws and sandpaper available.

"We're providing a means to help out the kids. Like for a single mom who may not have the ability to cut them out, we can do that for them."

The pinewood derby began in 1953 as a way for fathers and sons to spend time together and has become an annual event for not only the Boy Scouts, but other youth groups.

The Pinewood Derby is open to the public. Anyone can enter a car in the event on Nov. 1, which will be held at the Carson Mall as part of Nevada Day festivities.

For information, call Bobby Bean at American Family Insurance, 885-9542.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.