Skip to content

Need for speed at downhill derby

Cars lined up, the horn was sounded and contestants let gravity take control at the 4th Annual Ponoka Downhill Derby on Sept. 7.
16881ponokagosoap
Tyler Czapp

Cars lined up, the horn was sounded and contestants let gravity take control at the 4th Annual Ponoka Downhill Derby on Sept. 7.

There were 34 cars that raced down the steep hill on 42 Avenue from 43rd Street to the park for a chance to place in the top three.

The young competitors worked long and hard hours on their cars and enjoyed putting them to the test by speeding down the hill.

“It’s a lot of fun and you get to go really fast,” said racer Austin Albers. “It took two weeks to make the car and we were still working on it until midnight the night before the derby.”

Each person’s homemade soapbox car was different from the next, some had flames on the side, other were sleek and still others were bright and colourful. Each car was unique, followed regulations and proved itself during the races.

Austin Nagribianko enjoyed the competition but says that his favourite part of the downhill derby is the work that takes place beforehand.

“I really like building the car,” said Nagribianko. “You get to design it and put it all together.”

It was Tyler Czapp’s second year racing in the derby making a few new changes to his ride and had a good time taking on the other participants.

“I have a lot of fun competing against other people,” said Czapp.

Karen Williams put a lot of time and effort into organizing the event and believes that the friendly competition is important for a good community.

“It’s a good thing to have,” said Williams. “It’s good to see the kids out enjoying themselves and it’s a great project for dads and kids. It is a lot of work to put the event together but in the end it’s all worth it.”

Lynne Durrant also organized the derby and was pleased with the large crowd of spectators that came to the derby and says that the turnout was larger than the previous year.

“I think it’s a great community and family event,” said Durrant. “It brings everyone together, there are parents, grandparents and kids and they bring friends along to watch their kids and grandkids compete in the race.”

The end of the races brought in the official results for each age category. For the six to eight age group Thomas Rutberg placed first with a time of 22.83, Mathias Sandin took second place with 23.07 and Megan Lutz was third with a time of 24.25.

The nine to 12 age category saw Jeff Kraft take first place with 21.93, Tyler Czapp followed with second place with a time of 22.07 and Jaden Sandin won third place with 22.43.

Tegan Albers was fast enough to take home first place in the 13 to 18 age group with a time of 24.91, Austin Albers was right behind for second place with 25.83 and Mark Hemingson was third with 28.82.

Best in Show wet to Dallas Woodman and King of the Hill was awarded to Jeff Kraft.