Pinecar Derby brings families together in Deep River

DEEP RIVER — There was plenty of racing action as pinecar derby racers of all ages gathered at the Deep River Community Center Saturday, Feb. 22.

This year marked the third annual pinecar derby race sponsored by the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 296 in Deep River.

The Deep River American Legion Auxiliary Unit 296 served hot dogs and other goodies throughout the event.

The event drew about 40 racers with pinecars of all kinds. Many participants received either special honors or went home with a first, second or third place plaque.

The event is a fundraiser for the Deep River Sons of American Legion Squadron 296.

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“The money we raised goes to the Sons of American Legion for veterans and community causes,” said Bob Wilhelm, Sons of American Legion Commander and race organizer. “We do this to bring the community together.”

“It was a lot of fun,” said Misti Dawley, who was at the race with her family and granddaughters. “The food was great. They (Sons of The American Legion) did a great job organizing it. We will be back next year.”

Race results

The race featured six classes. Following are the results:

Youth Girls — First, Rori Garden; second, Roslyn Garden; and third, Brinlee Mann.

Youth Boys — First, Kade Wilhelm (with dad Dillon); second, Ty Young; and third, Pete Armstrong.

Junior Girls — No entries

Junior Boys — First, Beau Young; second, Zion Moore; and third, Jaxson Young.

Adult Women — First, Keira Carter (filled in by Kalynn Wanders); second, Tami Wilhelm; and third, Olivia Wilhelm.

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Adult Men — First (and overall champion), Shay Moore; second, Cayden Carter (filled in by Kalynn Wanders); and third, Kelly Dawley.

Special honors

A number of race participants received special recognition for their pinecar derby entries. Following are the results:

Favorite Hotrod — Noah Armstrong

Best Paint — Roslyn Gardner

Best Imagination — Kaison Bolen

Unit 296 President’s Choice — Kade Wilhelm

Sportiest Ride — Barrett Mann

SAL Commander’s Choice — Zion Moore

Most Patriotic — Jaxon Young

5th District Commander’s Choice — Rovi Gardner

5th District President’s Choice — Brinlee Mann

Most Colorful — Ty Young

Most Realistic — Pete Armstrong

Most Creative — Dylan Holland

Favorite Food — Kalynn Wanders

Trucker’s Special — Olivia Wilhelm

Favorite Fruit — Tami Wilhelm

“It’s a fun event for all ages to get out and show their competitive sides while also supporting the American Legion family,” said Kian McKeag.

“I love racing,” said Zion Moore, who finished second in the junior boys class.

“I think the most special part of the day is watching the parents with their children,” noted Jacki Bolen, Vice President of the Deep River American Legion Unit 296 Auxiliary.

“It’s a special time when parents and children do something together. That is the best part of the whole day.”