Ten-year-old Chase Fraser is fired up to take part in the first Hub City Soap Box race on Saturday, Aug. 20. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Ready, set, go!

‘I feel pretty excited:’ Nanaimo racers eager for flag to drop on inaugural Hub City Soap Box Derby

Aug 20, 2022 | 6:11 AM

NANAIMO – A city known for its water based races has a new event to rally behind.

The first Hub City Soap Box Derby event happens Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fitzwilliam St. between Prideaux and Wallace St.

Co-organizer Lisa Henderson said there are 34 kids division entrants (six to 12 year-olds), while seven adult racers will also tackle the sloped course lined by recycled tires.

“We’re seeing a lot of people from the community both businesses and individual families who have signed up, I’m seeing some really cool designs coming through from the kids division in particular,” Henderson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A trio of corporate sponsors converged to stage the event, originally scheduled for 2020 before the pandemic derailed the family-oriented event.

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Funds raised during Saturday’s festivities will support the heavily leaned on Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC).

Participants were handed standard cart kits with identical wheel and brake and stearing features, while they were encouraged to decorate their rides.

“We wanted to bring kids into the mix and have them participate, but also raise money at the same time is definitely something we can duplicate year-over-year.”

Henderson noted adults were given flexibility to make modifications to their cart kits, including larger tires.

Two participants will race at a time, while a playoff bracket will be established during elimination rounds.

The kids division features a straight course, while there is the possibility obstacles will be placed in the way of adult competitors, Henderson said.

Ten-year-old Chase Fraser said he can’t wait to roll down Fitzwilliam St. in his flame-adorned vehicle.

“My mom her friend cut out the flames and paint them and we put that cool goat on it,” an excited Fraser said, who evidently has a need for speed.

Fraser has past experiencing go-karting with his family.

“I wish the best of luck to anybody racing me, I feel pretty excited,” he said with a beaming smile.

Chase’s father Bill said their family is excited not only to have a child directly involved, but also to get behind a positive event for the entire community.

“There’s nothing negative about it, I think the downtown area could use more positive news,” he said.

On-site food sales will be available with 100 per cent of sales going directly to the NCDC. A barbecue, dunk tank and cotton candy, and Mario Kart photo booth will all be on hand.

More information on the NCDC can be found here.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes