If there’s one recreational pursuit that wins the hearts of young and old, it's the traditional soap box derby. However, the 2025 St. Albert Soap Box Derby taking place Saturday, June 14 is updating and incorporating 21st century technology into races.
In a first-time attempt, the gravity-cars racing down St. Vital Hill, manned by 157 racers, will be tracked by DerbyNet, a computer-friendly dashboard. The software is an open-source, multi-screen management system that is increasingly becoming the standard at derby races.
“We probably have the most advanced soap box system in Canada,” said Bob Fisher, derby president.
Fisher estimates there will be about eight screens staggered throughout the race route. All are connected to the master program. Three large screens will be located at the registration desk, the staging area, and the finish line. The other screens along the race route will capture information through PC monitors and iPads.
“At the top of the hill, it provides information to people in registration such as where the race positions are. And at the bottom of the hill, a camera records the races, and you can see the race in real time,” Fisher said.
For instance, the screen at the registration desk updates the roster data immediately without a volunteer needing to calculate it. The main race display, projected on a large screen, shows entrants in the current heat.
When derby carts crossed the finish line in past years, a judging panel manually counted the first, second and third place winners.
“This year, there’s a box that clicks 1-2-3 and the information goes up to the top of the hill. It adds all the information and all the runoffs. In the past we looked at doing things manually. This way, the stress on judges is reduced dramatically and we have information instantly.”
Fisher sees improvement in three major areas: communication across volunteer sectors, scheduling efficiencies and faster race results.
Anyone who attended races in past years will also notice the cart ramp looks brand new.
“The ramp was used in the last 12 years, and it needed a refresher. We found a sponsor, Sure Shot Painting and Sandblasting, and they sandblasted the old black ramp. It’s now a brand new yellow and blue. And Windsor Plywood contributed a whole new set of plywood for the ramp.”
Racers are divided into three categories: six to eight years, nine to 11, and 12 to 14. The three fastest times in each age bracket will receive a prize. In addition, organizers are presenting fun trophies for Best Spinout, Best Recovery and Best Dressed.
Racers also receive a welcome package, a T-shirt, a meal and an ice cream cone.
“We try and make certain everybody has fun.”
The St. Albert Soap Box Derby runs Saturday, June 14 from 7:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. at St. Vital Ave.
