Amid cheers from parents, siblings and friends, Cub Scouts from Salisbury Pack 5 put their derby cars on a timed track in a competition Jan. 19, to vie for trophies, bragging rights and the chance to represent their Cub Pack in the next level of competition against other area Scouts.

The event, held at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott Street., Allentown, featured elaborately decorated cars fashioned from a block of pine wood and fitted with wheels hugging a slotted downhill track with electronics which timed the three cars in each heat down to a thousandth of a second. With gravity as the only motive force on the downhill track, the best of the little wooden cars reached speeds equivalent to 200-plus miles per hour.

Recording the fastest time for the competition was Scout Michael Heitzer. Eric Smith placed second, Aidan Mathieu took third place, Jake Gibbons placed fourth and Bhargav Annem placed fifth. Presenting trophies for the competition were Cub Master Rob Heitzer and Pack 5 Committee Chair Mike Glenister.

Special trophies were also presented for the "best" in several categories. Ryan Brobst was recognized for the "most patriotic" themed car while Leland Cannon's car had the "best Scout theme." Trevor Golden won for the "most colorful" car, Aaron Glenister's car was recognized for "best design" and Raymond Kromer's car was named the "judges' favorite."