By Chad Neal
Classic Wooden Model Car Racing Event, Sunday August 18 at Madigan’s in Ellicottville to Benefit New Ellicottville Playground.
Pat Morgan is back in Ellicottville and he has an agenda. His love for this place is known amongst his inner circle and he wants to show this town his ideas to keep it going in the positive direction we have been skating in for decades now. Morgan was away for ten years doing his thing, but now he has moved back to the village he loves (here in this Bubble of Awesomeness) and he has ideas to help make it even better. One idea he has to help support the new inclusive playground in the works is a model car race at Madigan’s on Sunday August 18th. He has dubbed the event “The 1st Annual Behind the Pine (Wood Derby)” as it involves the classic wooden model gravity racers made popular in the scouting groups all around the country and the world.
“The Pinewood Derby is rich with history,” said Morgan, “dating back to the first ever in 1953. Fast forward to 2024, what better time to bring it back, in the form of a fundraiser for the Ellicottville Playground. Most of us have childhood memories building cars with our parents, racing them, and letting them collect dust on the shelf over the years. Time to dust them off!”
Morgan told The Villager that it is a family-friendly event with divisions for kids and adults and he suggested there will be a “legends division with older cars from childhood.” Look on the Eventbrite link on the 1st Annual (Behind the Pine) Wood Derby page on Facebook for more information. Morgan is also planning a night to paint and make your cars personalized and styling at Madigan’s during the week before the big race. Madigan’s will have a limited number of model cars for sale prior to the event or you can find them on Amazon – search for the basic Pine Derby Car Kit.
The race will be held upstairs at the green bar (Madigan’s) at 3pm Sunday August 18th. On the Eventbrite link it says to “get ready to show off your creativity, and speed as you race your handcrafted wooden car down the track. An event that is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a good competition. Don’t miss a chance to win awesome prizes and bragging rights!
The basic rules for the racers are the width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches, the length shall not exceed 7 inches, and weight shall not exceed 5 ounces. Axles, wheel, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit and wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. There will be a variety of divisions, from kids to adults, making this a come one, come all event, with giveaways, raffles, 50/50, and live entertainment from DJ Heat from WBLK. Food will be provided by Dom’s Butcher Block and the track is donated by Paula Dineen from the local scout troop.
Morgan has more ideas up his sleeve as well, but this racing day will be epic and memorable. If there are any questions shoot him an email at thepatmorgan@gmail.com and stop in to Madigan’s and get your model racer to shape up for the competition. Registration is $30 and can be paid on the Eventbrite link found on the Facebook page or the day of the race. Tell your friends and family, let’s make this a great day of racing!
A big shout out goes to the whole community involved in Ellicotttville’s new Inclusive Playground and to event sponsors, Dom’s Butcher Block, and DJ Heat.