Racers young and old will roll down Nanaimo's Franklyn St. this summer, for the third annual Hub City Soap Box Derby, in support of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. (submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

start your carts

Racers ramping up for 3rd Hub City Soapbox Derby in Nanaimo

Apr 15, 2024 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — It’s almost time once more the rubber to hit the road.

Registration for the third annual Hub City Soap Box Derby opens Monday, April 15, with carts set to roll down Franklyn St. in downtown Nanaimo on Aug. 18. Thousands are expected to line the course and cheering racers on.

Event spokesperson Jay Clayton said the move, one block over to Franklyn St. from Wesley St., was to provide a bit of a new look for racers in their home-made vehicles, as well as spectators.

“We wanted a little bit more pitch, we wanted to see some faster racing opportunities there. It also gives us the opportunity to engage both the Old City Quarter association and the Downtown Business Association, hopefully bringing in more businesses to participate in the event.”

More participation is the key this year, with the event also serving as a fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

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Crowd numbers grew substantially last year, after roughly 1,500 people checked out the first event in 2022.

“It’s really hard to tell, but I would say there were at least 3,000 people who came out last year. I’m expecting we’re probably going to see 1,000 more people this year, it just seems to build naturally year after year. We’re seeing more families, more businesses come out.”

Two divisions will race, with a kids event featuring participants aged six to 12 years old.

A corporate division, dubbed “the big kids”, features businesses who have put together their own carts to race.

“The kids division fills out almost immediately, so we have opened up the doors for 10 more kid entries this year. we’re seeing a lot of kids return with their carts, and we’re also encouraging…businesses with 20 spots open in the corporate division.”

Those who register receive a small kit featuring key items to build their carts, but the overall makeup and design is largely up to the participants.

Provided set rules and specifics are met, the cars will roll.

Clayton told NanaimoNewsNOW, despite the obvious competition, it really is an event focused on fun and doing something positive in the community.

“Our main goal here is to raise money for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. The bigger the crowd we get out, the more businesses that get involved, the more races we have registered, the more sponsors…it all goes to a good cause.”

Registration can be done online through the Hub City Soap Box Derby website.

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