With race day just six months away, the organizing crew behind the St. Albert Soap Box Derby are hard at work planning the 2023 event, which is set to be even bigger than last year.
In 2022, 84 young racers zipped through the streets of St. Albert in "derby carts" or go-karts, in search of the checkered flag. Derby planners hope to see the number of racers reach 150 this summer.
The 2023 Soap Box Derby is scheduled for June 16-17.
Event organizer Dawne Fowler said the goal of 150 racers is well within reach, considering last year's event actually finished early thanks to more efficient planning.
"In the past we had maybe 50 racers come out," Fowler said. "We jumped it up to 100 and we actually had 100 registered [in 2022] but for a lot of reasons, many of them dropped out or moved on or moved away."
"So we ended up with 84 racers, which was huge, but we'd also revamped a number of things," she said, explaining another organizer, Gary Poff, designed a trailer hook-up to haul the go-karts back up St. Vital Avenue.
"That saved us tons of time because in the past we loaded them in a box van and drove them around the hill and up the other side which really took a lot of time," Fowler said.
"We were so much more efficient this year, we ended up having a lot of time left over."
Besides planning for more racers this year, Fowler said the organizers are considering adding a new category for 13- and 14-year-olds.
Fowler said a final decision hasn't been made yet, as safety considerations are still being worked out. She said final a decision will be made closer to early February, when registration opens.
"The older the kids, the bigger they are, which means that we'd have to go to a bigger cart," Fowler said. "The race is governed by certain rules and guidelines and carts have to be a maximum of a certain weight and the heavier the cart, the faster it runs down that hill."
Last year, RCMP officers clocked some racers reaching speeds of 37 km/h.
Aiding the group's planning efforts this year are some new sponsors, the Royal Canadian Legion St. Albert Branch No. 271 and ClearWater CarWash.
On Dec. 28, Legion president Tim Penney presented Derby organizers with a cheque for $1,000 and got a sneak peak at one of the karts that will be racing in June.
Fowler said the community support is nothing less than "awesome."
"Our goal is to work really hard to involve as many community elements as possible," she said.
Those hoping to register for the 2023 Derby will need to visit the event's website in February to keep up with details, Fowler said. As well, information on when "Build Kits" will be available for purchase will also announced on the Derby's website, she said.
A build kit includes everything needed to construct a derby cart, including instructions on how to put it together, and costs $200. Those registered for the event will also be able to access help putting the carts together during designated "build days" at Fountain Tire in St. Albert leading up to the Derby.
Registered riders will be sent emails when those dates are determined.
"We've got our knowledgeable guys there to guide and lead the adults in building the carts with their kids," Fowler said. "That whole concept of families doing something together, it's really, vitally important for the Soap Box Derby."
Those interested in volunteering this summer can send an email to [email protected].
Fowler said volunteers should "be prepared to have about the most fun that they can possibly have volunteering for anything."
"It's just so fulfilling seeing these kids as happy as they are."
