NORTH ANDOVER — Since its start 100 years ago tomorrow, the Boy Scouts of America has helped mold some of this country's future leaders, people like John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush.
But it has also provided those same youths with many hours of fun. One of scouting's most popular events is the annual Pinewood Derby. And yesterday was race day for Pack 86.
Dozens of young scouts gathered at the Sargent School, rooting for their homemade wooden cars to be the first down the six-lane ramp.
Six-year-old J.J. Custer was on the front line, yelling, "Go" as his car went down the ramp. His vocal encouragement appeared to help, as the Sargent School first grader not only survived all 10 rounds, but took first place.
"I was excited I went that fast," J.J. said. While he will display the winning vehicle in his father's office, he said the trophy will be kept in his room.
As his red car with black lighting bolts and the words "Rock and Roll" sped down the ramp, James Buchholz, 9, rooted for his car.
"I was cheering for my car, "Go in first, go in first, please,'" said James, a fourth-grader at Franklin School. "I didn't win, but it was fun to be part of it because you can decorate your car any way you want."
His brother Jacob experienced the thrill of victory when his silver car sporting red flames on the side won.
The Buchholz's grandfather, John Levesque, helped them and many other members of the pack cut out the cars.
Nicolas Lucarini, 7, did not make it past the first round, but he took it in stride.
"I like working with my dad, spray painting the pipes and the bottom of the car," said Nicolas, 7. While Nicolas and his dad Vincent built the car, his little sister, Anna, 5, was watching every step of the process, from sanding the wood to painting.
The Sargent School first-grader said it was difficult making the car because the wheels kept coming off.
His mother, Eleanor, said they completed the car literally minutes before having to turn it in on Friday.
Joey McKean, 7, honored his favorite football team, the New England Patriots, with his race car.
Joey, a first-grader at Kittredge School, helped sand the car and drew out what he wanted, which his father happily painted on.
The car was painted silver, with the Patriots logo on one side. The front bumper was painted black with red grids to make it look like a face mask. And on the back was a number 12 sticker, for quarterback Tom Brady, Joey's favorite player.
The car won in the best sport category.
"When fathers bring their kids in, the Pinewood Derby is what they remember the most from their own years as Scouts," said Dan Heystek, Pack 86 Committee Chair, who emceed yesterday's derby.
Joe Custer — J.J.'s dad — agreed.
"It's because you do it with your dad. It was fun working with him," Custer said.
Cub Scout Pack 86 is based at the Sargent School and has 87 members, most of whom attend Andover elementary schools. North Andover has two other Cub Scout Packs based at Franklin and St. Michael schools.
Yesterday's winners will compete in the district Pinewood Derby in March, against Cub Scouts from Andover, North Andover, Methuen and Lawrence.
