First Annual Cementex Pinewood Derby
May 21, 2026
Our founder, Steve Russo is big into racing slot cars. He was at his local track and saw the Pinewood Derby track they had there. He had the idea and we made it a reality, Cementex was going to host an annual Pinewood Derby for the employees since he remembered how much fun it was when Jeff was in the Cub Scouts and they worked together to build a fast car powered only by gravity over four decades prior.
Almost no employees were familiar with the concept when we told them about this race. They were given the cars as a standard issue kit along with some sandpaper. We provided rules and websites where they could learn more about the race itself and theories on design for making a fast car. We also didn’t want to make this a burden on anyone, so materials and time were provided to prep the cars in the weeks leading up to the event. The track was put up about a week prior so they could see it and try it out.
The learning curve is quite short, and everyone was having fun getting their cars ready and the creativity was incredible! Race day was so fun. Beyond the standard finishing places, we had prizes for most spirited, best design and most creative that the employees voted on themselves. There were raffle prizes along the way (gift cards to our local convenience store/gas spot, cash and even some PTO hours up for grabs). Bragging rights by far are the elite win and first place not only got a trophy but a custom winner’s shirt with their car pictured as well. Oh, and to add to the fun since it’s a three-car racetrack, the three owners had their own race with a single trophy that will move from winner to winner annually that was up for bragging right grabs too.
At Cementex we believe in family values, we are a family business after all. Knowing and caring about one another is paramount and certainly having fun together really creates connections that last. Here’s some photos and videos from our First Annual Pinewood Derby.
2026 FASTEST RACERS!
These are the first through third place winners pictured with Chairman of the Board and Cementex Founder, Steve Russo.
Photographed from left to right, David Costello – Third Place, Noah Johnson – First Place, Jason Dingle – Second Place and Steve Russo.
Best of 2026 Awards
Employees voted on fellow employee’s cars and even “attitudes”. Awards were voted on by employees and presented to Tyler Brooks for Best Design, Amber Roddy for the Most Creative and Joel Colon Carrasquillo for Most Spirited, and it should be made clear that Joel also won the Slowest Car award as well. His anguish and humor led to being almost unanimously voted with the most spirit. Cars with wheels painted on the inside and on the axle just don’t really go fast or apparently finish any heats at all.
Tyler’s 53 Chevy Farm Truck
⭐ Best Design — Which car looks the best? Judge on overall aesthetics, craftsmanship, paint quality, and visual appeal. This is about the finished look — the car you’d put on a shelf.
Amber’s Beach Scene
🎨 Most Creative — Which car made you say ‘how did they even do that?’ Judge on originality, inventiveness, and unexpected ideas. This isn’t about polish — it’s about imagination.
Joel (Batman) Most Spirited (and happened to be Slowest Car as well)
🔥 Best Spirit — Who brought the most energy today? Judge on enthusiasm, sportsmanship, cheering for others, and overall race-day attitude. The person who made the event more fun for everyone.
