The Moose Jaw and District Soap Box Racing Club is gearing up for its annual race on Alder Avenue on Aug. 17.
Between 15 and 19 racers are expected to take part, but there are still a few spots open. As of Wednesday, organizers still had three junior cars and two senior cars needing drivers. Junior drivers range in age from seven to 11, while seniors are seven to 15 depending on experience.
Volunteers are also needed for a variety of jobs, from putting up barriers the day before to helping load cars.
“Our hardest job to fill is loading the cars at the bottom, so if there’s any guys out there, anyone that’s strong and muscular, come on out. That is definitely the hardest job because the race cars, the junior ones with the racer in them are 206 pounds and the seniors with the racer in them are 236 pounds,” said Moose Jaw and District Soap Box Racing Club president Heather Carle.
The festivities get underway with out-of-town racers asked to be on site at 9 a.m. for a safety talk and to check over the hill for any concerns. The races begin around 9:30 a.m.
The hill is on Alder Avenue from Oxford Street to Ross Street and will be closed to traffic during the races. Carle said the community along Alder Avenue has always been supportive of the event.
“All of the community there is really good. We give out notices next week here about we are going to be having the races, please don’t park on the street, please move your vehicles and everyone’s really good about that. So, the neighbourhood and everyone’s welcome to come out and watch,” she said.
Carle’s nine-year-old granddaughter Izabella is going into her third year of racing. She got started in soap box racing by helping out with her grandma and watching the races, and when she turned seven, she decided to give it a try.
She recalled her first time going down the hill.
“When they got me loaded up for a practice, I was pretty, pretty, pretty scared. I started crying and then my grandma calmed me down and I went down the hill and I have been doing that ever since,” Izabella said.
She also talked about what she enjoys most about racing soap box cars.
“My favourite part about being a soap box racer is that I get to see new racers, have fun, and I just get to do something that I like to do,” she said.
Those interested in racing or volunteering can contact Carle through the Moose Jaw and District Soap Box Racing Club Facebook page or email moosejaw.soapbox@hotmail.com.