CATURDAY AT CAT SCOUTS AND THE CARDWOOD DERBY

Yesterday was the start of the Cardwood Derby for Cat Scouts. My troop, the Worldwide Wildcats, are pawticipating. Many of us are entering and others are acting as pit crew or cheering us on as we take our places at the starting line.

My car prior to the removal of the seat.

We were required to construct our own cars, which must consist of at least 80 percent cardboard. My car is a cardboard box (duh) with a clear plastic windshield and bubble-wrap/electric tea light headlamps. My wheels are cardboard with aluminum foil wheel covers. My steering wheel is a cardboard spool with the Worldwide Wildcats seal on top and bottom, a paw-print ribbon trim and wooden dowel steering column. My backrest is animal-print fabric with a little quilt batting.

As Cat Scouts are resourceful, Mom said we had to construct my car from items we already had around the house. This was not a rule of Cat Scouts, but my family strongly believes in the principles of reuse, repurpose and recycle.

My car after the seat was removed. I did retain my back rest and thats my seat belt hanging out the side of the car.

So the bright blue car I wanted ended up being desert sand in color, and it is not very aerodynamic. As Mom and I worked hard at constructing it, I was wishing that we were fans of NASCAR so we might have had a better idea of what we were doing.

Nonetheless, my car is complete, and I am revving up my engine. I am car number 11 as that is my placement number among past and present cats in our household. I am not expecting to win the Derby, but I sure hope I don’t come in any lower than 11th place. In reality, I just hope to finish the Derby, which concludes on November 20. The win most likely will go to the Cat Scout requiring the fewest number of naps and stops for refueling.

Lisbeth checks my steering wheel and speedometer while I check out my wheels.

Sisfur Lisbeth is acting as my pit crew. You’ll see her in the photos helping me check-out my car to make certain it’s in good working order.

We did need to modify our design at the last minute as I refused to sit in the very nice and safe seat Mom made. I wasn’t very good about keeping my seatbelt on for photos, but I have promised to wear it for the entire length of the race.

Our final check prior to me starting the engine. (How do you like my car’s headlights?)

All the cars will be on the Cat Scout’s Facebook page as well as Pinterest. I really hope you will check them out.

See you at the track!

Purrs and hugs, Mauricio (Andretti)

I’m ready to hit the track, as soon as Lisbeth backs away and gives me a paw’s up sign.