Pinewood Derby set for Oct. 16

With the Nevada Day Parade just three weeks away, American Family Insurance is hosting a Pinewood Derby cutting event Oct. 16 at its Highway 50 East office.

Started in 2005 by company owner Bobby Bean, the Pinewood Derby races take place inside the Carson Mall immediately following the Nevada Day Parade on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Bean said that thanks to a donation this year from Les Schwab, American Family Insurance still has some

60 free kits available. When they run out, the kits will cost $4. Each kit includes a 5-ounce block of pinewood, four wheels and four nails that act as the axles.

During the cutting event, people who already have purchased kits, and those who are picking up new kits, can have their cars cut if they don't have the tools needed to do so at home.

"Anyone who wants to can come and get a kit from us, we can cut it on Oct. 16 and they take it home and sand it down and design it," he said.

Bean said the days leading up to the Pinewood Derby are a good time for families to get together and decorate their cars. On race day, families can then cheer each other on to victory.

"The last five years, we've averaged about 97 cars in the races," said Bean.

Registration runs from

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Parade Day and the races begin at

1 p.m. Trophies are awarded in the individual age groups:

6-8; 9-12; 13-16 and 17 to old geezer.

"It's a blast. What's nice is each car is going to race four times on our aluminum track so you get to see your car race four times against different cars," he said.

For more information, visit the American Family Insurance Office at 1621 Highway 50 E., next to Port of Subs, or call Bobby Bean at 885-9542, or Kathy McClintock at 885-8110.