Kids, Start Your Engines

Lowe’s Companies Inc. (Mooresville, N.C.) will kick off its annual sponsorship of the Pinewood Derby by setting up in-store demonstrations in partnership with Dremel tools.

Dremel, a brand of Robert Bosch Tool Corp. (Mt. Prospect, Ill.), is the originator of the hand-held rotary tool and Lowe’s co-host of the second annual Derby Car All-Star Design Contest. The winner will be announced at the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge race on May 21, 2004, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Kids ages seven to 10, with a little help from their parents or guardians, are challenged to design a unique derby car. To enter the competition, children are invited to photograph their completed cars and submit their design to Lowe’s online.

Lowe’s NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and Team 48 will serve as Derby Car judges. Judging criteria will include creativity in design, attention to detail and picture-perfect finish.

“Any crew chief will tell you that the preparation, construction and design of the car are how races are won and lessons learned,” said Johnson. “No matter what type of car you are racing, the design plays a significant role.”

To give kids a head start, Lowe’s will offer Dremel demonstrations in select stores during January through March, to help children plan and execute their design and get ready for the competition. The goal of the demonstration is to share tips and derby car building techniques with children and parents. Participants will get tips on shaping, sealing, painting and weighing the car, as well as preparing the wheels and axles.

Four winners, one in each age group, will get a trip to Lowe’s Motor Speedway where Johnson will award them with a trophy.