In a message dated 97-12-05 19:13:48 EST, you write:

<<
 I am new to microcontrollers, but have a small project I want to
 try.  It is the infamous "Pinewood Derby Timer".  So I am looking
 for good sources of information to get started.  My neighbor loaned
 me a development kit for the Micromint kits, so will probably
 be working with that. >>

Hello Steve,
I did a pinewood derby timer last year!  I worked out well.  I used two
PIC16F84s.  One read the sensors (I am taxing the old memory now.  I didn't
document it too well.) and one displayed the time on a 4 inch 3 digit LED
display.  When a car won it alternatly flashed the winning track number and
the winning time. The time and track number would continue flashing until
another start.
I could send you the code for the two PICs if you are interested. I was
thinking of writing an article about the project.

Dave Duley