These attributes are what sent the Saratoga teammates cruising through the first round of the annual Pinewood Derby competition as third runners-up and landed them a spot in second place at the final race held on Feb. 7 at Vallco Fashion Park.

"I was really happy and a bit freaked out that we got second place," Adam says. "I was expecting fourth or fifth or sixth place."

Adam was one of 25 Cub Scouts from Pack 525 of the Polaris District who participated in the event. Left to his imagination, each Scout, with help from his parents, had one month to transform a block of pine wood, four wheels and four axles into a car weighing no more than 5 ounces and stretching at most 7 inches long and 2 inches wide.

"We've seen everything, from sleek dragsters all the way to taxicabs and trucks," said Kevin McCabe, scoutmaster and coordinator of the event. "These kids can get pretty creative."

Several participants had their own tricks to make their cars run faster. The Roeckls' secret was graphite, which they used to lubricate the wheels.

For the first time, the event moved into high gear with special equipment used to record and display each car's speed and time. Results were measured by optical timers hooked to the wooden track and instantly fed to a laptop computer, which then projected each car's record on a large overhead screen.

Pinewood Derby is not just for fun and games, McCabe explains. There is a deeper and more meaningful purpose.

"It teaches kids basic physics," McCabe says. "But more importantly, it gives parents an opportunity to mentor their children and teach them how to turn an idea into something real."

McCabe adds that children not only learn about patience, but also how to be creative within certain boundaries.

Although the Roeckls' car's result improved from that of the previous year's car, Ellen says that winning is not everything.

"The neatest thing about this event is that it fosters parent and child interaction," Ellen says. "I'm proud to say that we built something together."

The two spent four hours cutting, sanding, painting and designing the car. Both say they learned a great deal about the tools they used, but Adam says he liked the bonding aspect the most.

"It was cool hanging out with her," he says.

Six-year-old Billy Bloomquist, who won the first round and placed ninth overall at the final competition, says he learned how to be a good sport. Billy says he's not disappointed about the outcome because he knows he tried his best.

"It's OK. I had fun building the car. I'll try harder next time," he says.

Billy's father, Charles, who helped in the building process, says he's proud of his son and his good sportsmanship.

"The real value of this event is teaching the kids a competitive spirit," Charles says.