The premier youth and family-oriented racing program in the United States comes to Susanville as the Lassen County Soap Box Derby races into town on Saturday, June 24th. The Lassen County Soap Box Derby race is one of 120 races held across the U.S. and overseas this year where participants compete in one of three divisions: Stock, Super Stock, or Masters.
Drivers in the Stock division range in age from 7-13. The Super Stock division age range is 9-18. Drives in the Masters Division range in age from 10-20. While Stock is mainly for beginners who build simplified derby cars from kits, Super Stock racers build larger model cars made from larger kits and shells. Masters competitors build a more sophisticated designed car from a kit.
In competition, a Derby car can reach speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour depending on the angle of the ramp or hill.
Boys and girls enter a local Soap Box Derby race by building a car from a kit purchased from the International Soap Box Derby and passing a prerace safety and construction inspection. Participants are required to compete in the Soap Box Derby race geographically closest to where they reside. All race winners in each division automatically earn the right to compete in the FirstEnergy All-American World Championship race. The top three place-winners in each division earn college scholarships.
Each kit can be assembled in as little as five hours with a parent or adult and can be purchased by visiting the Soap Box Derby website at www.soapboxderby.org. The kit includes a body shell, wooden floorboard and assorted hardware. Kits, purchased at the official online store, range in price between $460 and $730.
The Lassen County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Derby Build it Clinic on Saturday, June 10th to help prepare new racers who have purchased a kit derby car and need assistance in assembly of the kit. There is no cost to participate in the build it clinic but reservations are required by calling the Chamber at 257-4323.
On Friday, June 23rd, from 5:00 to 9:00p.m., in Historic Uptown Susanville, there will be a chance for kids to experience riding in one of the derby cars during the ‘Fun Runs’. Participants will pay $5.00 for two runs that will be held on North Gay Street, Susanville. Parents will be required to sign a waiver form prior to kids participating in the fun runs.
The Soap Box Derby strives to instill important values among children through basic construction skills and a fun and spirited activity. Besides, where else can a seven year-old drive a car down Nevada Street and not get pulled over?
To get involved in this fun family oriented activity or for more information, contact The Lassen County Chamber of Commerce at (530) 257-4323.
