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Ponoka’s Downhill Derby brings families together

Great weather and a fun hill made for an exciting downhill derby in Ponoka
Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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Racers and organizers prepare for their heat Sept. 9 during the Ponoka Downhill Derby.

The warm September weather made for ideal downhill derby race conditions Sept. 9.

Ponoka’s Downhill Derby proved a fun day for parents and their children who raced down 42 Avenue with some making some great speeds. The top recorded speed was 44 km/h.

The 13th iteration of the derby brought community groups like the Ponoka Kinsmen and Lions Club together to ensure for a fun day.

Chairperson Greg Rowland was pleased with the turnout, 24 racers this year, and he praised the Town of Ponoka — it’s a town event — for keeping this race going.

He was pleased with the strong support from the town and fans but also from the neighbours along the street who continue to allow the race on 42 Avenue.

“I think it’s well run. We try to be efficient at it,” said Rowland.

Support from local businesses has also been strong, including that of Ponoka’s Alberta Flares.

Results:

Division A

First place: Reid Klimec

Second place: Labrie Heidt

Division B

First Place: Serge Klimec

Second Place: Tye Ancion

Division C

First Place: Brady Groot

Second Place: Shayla Huff

Best in Show: Blake Miller

Fastest Car: Serge Klimec at 44 km/hr

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Orion Donison (right) does a quick once-over of Reid Klimec’s soapbox while dad, Peter, also has a look.
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Father Cecile Mast helps his son, Jack “Batman” Mast, bring his soapbox to the starting line. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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A downhill derby racer crosses the finish line with some racers making some great speeds on that 42 Avenue hill.
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The finishing line looks smart as downhill derby racers cruise past and volunteers and race fans watch on Sept. 9 during the Ponoka Downhill Derby. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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The finishing line looks smart as downhill derby racers cruise past and volunteers and race fans watch on.
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Soapbox speedsters Soapbox racers cruise down 42 Avenue Sept. 9 during Ponoka’s Downhill Derby. The fun event brought 24 racers to the hill with some breaking the 40 km/h mark. More on page 25. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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These two downhill derby racers urge their soapboxes to gain speed as they race down 42 Avenue Sept. 9 during Ponoka’s 13th Downhill Derby.