Families from throughout the region traveled to Oakdale this past weekend to spend time at the Soap Box Derby Rally. As racers rolled down the two-lane course that was set up in the industrial park area in Oakdale, on Delano Drive near Wakefield Court, families gathered to watch them head toward the finish line, gaining speed as they rounded the curves in the course.
Shawn Vessels, an Oakdale resident and the event organizer, learned about the derby a few years ago when his daughter Kira wanted to try it out.
“There were no local organizations here in the Valley so I took her to the clubs in the Bay Area,” said Vessels.
As time went on, Vessels realized that the Central Valley needed their own soap box chapter and he started planning and offering the events locally. Vessels hosted the first race a few years ago in Oakdale and hopes to introduce the sport to many more families in the future.
The soap box drivers participate in several races throughout the year in hopes of making it to the World Championships in Akron, Ohio. Racers from ages seven to 20 can participate in the sport, with Stock Cars usually reserved for the younger drivers, Super Stock Cars used by teens and Masters Cars used by the oldest and most experienced drivers. Cars are typically made of plastic with some of the Masters Cars fabricated from fiberglass and painted or wrapped with bright, colorful images including the logos of sponsors.
Vessels noted that although racers do race the same course both days, they have to switch lanes each race so that every racer experiences the advantages and challenges of the various lanes.
The Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15 rally, was presented by the Northern California Soap Box Derby and included three racing divisions and a double-elimination format each day.
“This is definitely a big family thing. People come from all over to watch their kids race because it is so much fun,” said Vessels.
Fans from as far as Missouri and Colorado ventured out to watch the racers glide towards victory. Vessels said that although the soap box cars can cost around $1,000 or more to build, their group has 16 loaner cars so that all kids that come out and want to try it out can do so.
For Vessels, Soap Box Derby began as a family affair with his daughter Kira racing and traveling far and wide to enjoy the sport. Vessels now shares that love of racing with other families, enabling them to make memories and enjoy adventures as they race toward the finish line.
For more information about the Northern California Soap Box Derby, visit: northerncalifornia@soapboxderby.org
