For the second year in a row, the Hub City Soap Box Derby will be taking over Fitzwilliam St. in Nanaimo on Saturday, Aug. 19, starting at 9 a.m. with a kids cart parade. (SoapBox Derby Nanaimo by Alair Homes on YouTube.)

By Jordan Davidson

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‘See how big we can get:’ Hub City Soap Box Derby ready to roll for second year

Aug 17, 2023 | 5:47 AM

NANAIMO — After a wildly successful inaugural event, the Hub City Soap Box Derby is back to tear up the streets of the Old City Quarter.

The event once again takes place along Fitzwilliam St. on Saturday, Aug. 19, starting with a newly added kid’s cart parade at 9 a.m., with the races to follow.

Last year they were able to raise $16,000 for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC) and coordinator Kathryn Scott said they’re shooting for $25,000 this year.

“We’ve definitely increased the size of it this year, we’ve got more sponsors on board, more of the community involvement like people actually wanting to come out and entertain for us this year. Everybody got more involved this year.”

Scott said thanks to early sign-ups and additional sponsors, they’ve already managed to raise $21,000.

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As of Tuesday, there were 47 racers signed up in both the kids and big kids categories, compared to 41 in total last year.

Racers are allowed to customize their soap box cars, as long as they still fall within their regulations. (Hub City Soap Box Derby Facebook page)

The kid’s division is for racers between the ages of six and 12, while the big kids and corporate division is open to the older crowd. There are only 30 racing spots available in each category.

Scott told NanaimoNewsNOW the rules regarding the building of the soap box cars remain the same as last year, including requiring brakes, helmets, and going through a safety inspection prior to competing.

“The cars must have four wheels, no modification to the wheels permitted, for example adding bearings, making them narrow or changing the material of the wheel or thread. Cars must be between four feet and six feet, and two to three feet wide… maximum weight for the car without a driver is 150 lbs.”

Concession stands will also be on-site, as well as merchandise available for purchase by donation, with all proceeds going to the NCDC.

Scott hopes the Hub City Soap Box Derby will continue to grow every year and become another staple summer event for the Harbour City.

“I’m excited to continue to watch us grow every year and see how big we can get it. With Silly Boats and stuff, it would be our goal to be as big as they are. In the end, it all goes to the NCDC.”

Fitzwilliam St. to Wesley St. and will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. the day of the race, with restricted parking in place the evening prior, Friday, Aug. 18.

For more information or to register for the event, click here to go to soapboxnanaimo.com.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow