Pinewood Derby a chance for bonding

As the miniature wooden car hurtled down the angled track, a broad smile stretched across Jim Leach's face.

The proud father from Central Islip had spent hours working with his 11-year-old son, Daniel, designing and building the perfect vehicle in anticipation of Saturday's Pinewood Derby.

Daniel's speedy car, nicknamed "The Bullet," came tantalizingly close to winning their race, but father and son didn't seem to mind.

"It's just a lot of fun to go out there and race," Daniel said afterward.

Open primarily to members of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, the derby attracted more than 100 participants as part of Newsday's Field of Wheels exhibition and show in Melville.

The derby is all in good fun, but the rules are strict.

Cars can't be longer than 7 inches or wider than 2 3/4 inches. They can't weigh more than 5 ounces.

Kids as young as 6, dressed dutifully in their scout uniforms, bounced around the track, eating hot dogs and cheering on their cars. Without a hint of sarcasm, races ended in handshakes with their fellow competitors. Trophies were distributed to first-, second- and third-place winners in six categories.

"It's about the camaraderie and excitement, and the interaction with your parents," said Mark Businski, scoutmaster for Troop 205 in Great River, who raced a 45-year-old car in the vintage class -- reserved for adults and non-scouts.

The image of father and son working in the family garage building a mini Pinewood Derby racer hearkens back to a different era, before the advent of xBoxes, PlayStations and iPhones.

Joe Foran of Commack said the pre-race time he spent working with his son, Michael, 12, is invaluable.

"It's meaningful to see how much fun he is having," Foran said. "I get to experience it through his eyes."

Angelo Fiorino of East Northport also treasured the quality time with his son, Louis, as they honed their racer: "Hot Rod."

"It's one of the best bonding experiences I've ever had with him," he said.

Long Island Pinewood Derby winners

Here are the top Long Island Pinewood Derby winners announced by event organizers:

Webelos Division: Nicholas Pizzulli, overall winner

Bear Scout Division: Ethan Burchell, first place (second overall)

Wolf Scout Division: Tyler Yip, first place

Tiger Scout Division: Tristan Hoffmann, first place

Boy Scout Division: Thomas Petrozzella, first place (third overall)

Vintage Division: Phil Bernstein, first place