Each participant will be provided with a Kit car as part of the $125 entry fee and is guaranteed at least three races. (Soapboxnanaimo.com)

By Jordan Davidson

go soapbox racer go!

VIDEO: Soapbox derby rolling into the Old City Quarter

Jun 12, 2022 | 6:07 AM

NANAIMO — The Old City Quarter is going to play host to some intense racing action this summer as the inaugural Hub City Soapbox Derby is finally going to be a reality.

One of the organizers Lisa Henderson said this was originally scheduled to take place in May of 2020, but the pandemic quickly cancelled that plan shortly after it was announced in early March 2020.

“Everything was all set to go, we had racers registered and then everything kind of stopped for events, so we put a pause on it.”

The derby, set for August 20, is open to kids ages 6-12 with an entrance fee of $125, which includes the soapbox kit and race entry.

Henderson said racers will be provided with a very basic soapbox car kit which they are allowed to decorate.

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“They can make it as dramatic or as fun as they want it to be or as simple as they want it to be. They are going to get three races minimum each, and they’ll go from the top of Fitzwilliam St., basically where the police station is down to about Wesley St.”

The carts must still be gravity powered, and there are some limitations on what modifications can be made in order to keep the playing field even.

All money raised from this event, which includes a fundraising barbeque, will go towards the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

“It’s to support all of their kid’s programs. What they do in the community is really important for children and making sure there is enough money there so they can help as many kids as they can, it’s really important.”

Prizes will be awarded in three categories including fastest racer, most creative vehicle and best-dressed pit crew.

There’s also a “Big Kids” or “Corporate Division” competition where adults are allowed to participate with a $500 entrance fee.

She said the adults have fewer restrictions on the modifications they can make to their derby cars, but will still be going down the same course as the kids, likely a lot faster.

“There isn’t a kit, so a lot of the corporations and businesses who are involved are getting very creative with their designs. They have a little more leeway with what they can do with their cars.”

There are limited spaces available, so register now to take part in what they hope to be an annual event.

More details on this event are at soapboxnanaimo.com.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow