What better place in the world to have a gravity racing car derby than our own Soap Lake. The name Soap Box Derby is a registered trademark of the International Soap Box Derby Corporation, but we have the town with the ‘name’ and the cars, well, the cars are all about the same: four wheels, no motor, and gravity-powered. Main Street Soap Lake is the perfect venue for the sport because of its natural 5.2 percent grade from the top of the hill by the city library, to the bottom by The Inn at Soap Lake. It has been said by a few that Soap Lake had gravity car racing years ago and that perhaps the hill which is now Main Street was actually elevated to make it the best gravity racing venue in the state. Well, so much for rumors, it sure has been a great hill for the annual 4^th of July bed races.

 

The idea for the first ever Soap Lake Box Derby came from a few lads that comprise Soap Lake Boy Scout Troop 44. The six young men are receiving guidance and support from Soap Lake police chief and Scout Master Jim Dorris and Wanda Fencl, the troop leader. The event and all the work leading up to it will help the boys meet requirements for several scout badges including community service, engineering, automotive and craftsmanship. One of the boys, C.W. Forrest, is planning on making his car out of a couple of trashcans; a little unusual, but well within the rules as long as the car rolls on gravity. Michael Clines, another scout is pretty excited about the project and stated that, “This is so cool because I have never built anything in my life, and now I get a chance to.” Other scouts involved include Lucas Tift, Chases Mulalley, Michael Allen, and Kenneth Dorris.

 

The troop has been greatly supported by the efforts of Scout Master Jim Dorris who contacted many local businesses to obtain sponsorships. Kyle and Lynne Nelson who own Raceway Auto donated their building on Daisy Street for three months as a garage to store and work on the assembly of ten cars purchased by sponsors. The boys are required to assemble the cars as well as race in one. They spent several hours on Saturday, March 13, unpacking parts and starting the process of building he floorboards and turning gears. Once the cars are built, they will be given to the sponsors who will paint and prepare them for race day. The troop plans on building two cars a week starting the week of March 8^th. They can be seen out front of Raceway Auto from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from Saturday, 9 AM – 1 PM.

 

Word is out about the race and challengers from Boy Scout troops in Ephrata, Quincy and Moses Lake are talking about throwing a car or two in the race. Jim Dorris has received phone calls from all over Oregon, Washington and Idaho and as far away as the Soap Box Derby National office in Akron Ohio. The national office will send two representatives to Soap Lake to assist the boys with tips and tricks on building cars and to examine the course. There is a possibility that Soap Lake could become an official derby city. This will enable the town to host a minimum of one annual event in which the racers can obtain points used to determine eligibility for the national races held in July each year in Akron, Ohio,

 

Soap Lake’s race will include three racing categories including youth (ages 9 – 12), Junior (ages 13 – 17) and Senior (ages 18 and up). There will be trophies for 1^st and 2^nd place, 3^rd place will receive a certificate. Before leaving the starting gate, all cars are evenly weighted once the driver is inside. Though the event is sponsored by the scouts it’s an event for everyone. Entire families are encouraged to participate and note that there are currently more female drivers registered than males. This race is for all young-at-heart who want to have a ton of fun participating in a great event. Sponsorship of a car is a sure way to get in the race. But there are other ways to race a car. Several sponsors have open seats, so check with Soap Lake businesses or contact Scout Master Jim Dorris at soaplakederby@ifiber.tv

 

Race day is set for Saturday, May 29^th. Staging for the race will be at the top of the hill in the library parking lot, and will be open at 7:30 AM. A six-foot high ramp will be placed at the very top of the hill to launch the cars from. Initial starting heats will be one car at a time and the elimination heats will be two races at a time. The final winner is based on the fastest time in the final heat.

 

Other race day events include a 6 AM 3 dollar pancake breakfast at the finish line sponsored by Wanda’s Restaurant. Other vendors include the Del Red serving brats and dogs, Dons restaurant with Micro burgers, the Lunch Wagon with BBQ pork ribs and chicken, MJS concessions will have other fun stuff to eat, and there will be souvenir and toy vendors.

 

For regularly updated information including photos and video link to the Soap Lake Box Derby on Facebook.