Cars were lined up. The release was given and handmade cars made out of pine raced toward the finish line.

And another Pinewood Derby began in the Pleasant Valley Elementary School cafeteria for members of Cub Scout Pack 98.Each Scout that participates started with a block of pine wood, four plastic wheels and four nails. The finished car must use all nine pieces, must not exceed a certain weight (usually five ounces), must not exceed a certain length and must fit on the track.Blocks can be whittled with a hand knife, bandsaw or Dremel carving tool for major shaping. The cars can be decorated with decals that can be bought at Scout shops or hobby shops. It is also possible to use standard model decals to replicate actual racing cars such as NASCAR racing greats. Some Cub Scouts also add weights to the final design to bring the car to the maximum allowable weight such as coins, lead pieces, and melted lead are common.The idea behind the pinewood derby is for the parent, usually the father, but occasionally the mother or grandparent, to spend time helping the child design, carve, paint, add weights, and tune the final car.The race is run in heats, giving every car the chance to run on each lane, usually against others from the same rank (Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, etc.).The first place winners received trophies and second, and third place winners received ribbons. The first place race winners will advance to the district level, then each of the district-wide race winners will get to race each other from across the entire council.Cub Scout Pack 98 is sponsored by Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Brodheadsville. Cub Master is Jennifer Ewing, Jim Whyte and Kevin Kramer are the assistant Cub Masters. Committee Chairperson is Brian Shonk. Currently there are 68 boys enrolled in the Pack with nine dens.On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Cub Scout Pack 98 will be holding its Blue and Gold Banquet at Pleasant Valley High School at 3 p.m.On Sunday, Feb. 12, the Pack will be sponsoring the Our Lady Queen of Peace's Community Supper from 3-4 p.m.Each month, Pack 98 is responsible for the clean up of these community suppers.