This year’s Ponoka Downhill Derby will celebrate 10 years of young racers cruising down 42 Avenue at speeds of 30 km/h.
The event, set for Sept. 6, is an opportunity for parents to get some hands-on soapbox construction with their kids to construct a soapbox car and then race it down the hill. Parents still have time to register, as the sign up deadline is Aug. 29.
Organizer Karen Williams says they usually have 30 racers from Ponoka, Lacombe and Blackfalds and the fun event is an opportunity for kids to show off their work. She says youths take a lot of pride in their creations.
“It’s a project that you guys (parents and children) do together,” she explained.
For those who don’t have their own soapbox car, the group has kits and older cars for sale. Williams says they are looking at a new generation of racers and the Downhill Derby organizers want to make it as accessible as possible.
There are three divisions of racers: Division A (6 to 8), Division B (9 to 11) and Division C (12 and up). For those wanting to get involved, Williams suggests parents download the Downhill Derby rules and entry form at www.ponokalive.ca under Our Community tab.
She says the rules will give parents an understanding of the construction requirements for the races. Races start at 10 a.m. with race registration at 8 a.m. For more information call Williams at 403-783-4799.