Story and photos provided by Heidi Gibbons
The annual Scouting America Headwaters District Pinewood Derby was held at the Alpine Civic Center on February 7, 2026. Fourteen racers, ages 5-11, hailing from Jackson Hole to Star Valley to Driggs, went head to head in a speed test down a four lane wooden track.
After four exciting heats, the race times were finalized with three championship winners. In first place was River Higley, a tiger scout from pack #67, with an average scale speed of 187.6 mph. In second place was Rowan Kim-Pigusch, a wolf scout from pack #67, with an average scale speed of 187.2 mph. In third place was Brianne Jumuad, a bear scout from pack #81, with an average scale speed of 185.9 mph.
Runners up followed closely behind with Theodore Wright (184.7mph), Shane Lynam (184.5 mph), Aidan Lynam (184.4 mph), Calvin Hibbert (184.4 mph), Parker Lewis (184.3 mph), Valentina Almanza (183.4 mph), and Anders Balogh (182.5 mph).
Car Design and Artistry was another category of competition. In first place was Richard Gomez, a webelos scout from pack #185, with his No. 77 red sports car. In second place was Noah Keenan, a wolf scout from pack #81, with his back to the future themed car. In third place was Tyler Gibbons, an arrow of light scout from pack #1307, with his silver/orange nuclear reactor car.
The speed race was officiated by Larnell Cleverley, Elvis Olais, Cliff Kirkpatrick, and Marc Speth. Leslie Jones, Kent Gibbons and Heidi Gibbons checked the cars for compliance. The announcer for the event was Karen Hibbert. The Car Design and Artistry competition was judged by Afton Jones and Heidi Gibbons.
Beautiful wooden plaques were constructed and provided by Gary Edington for all district winners. All scouters cut, built and designed their own cars with parental help and advice. Cars were constructed from the official Pinewood Derby car kits available for purchase at any local scout shop. The event included a pizza party that was enjoyed by all contestants and parents.
The Headwaters District is a part of the Teton Council of the Scouting America program.
