Derby

The Stanwood Camano Soap Box Derby Committee

would like to send a big thank you to the Stanwood Camano community for

their help in making the third annual derby bigger and more successful than ever before.

A fun time was had by all with the 61 racers getting down the hill safely (but for a few minor misshaps).

This event would not be the success it was without the volunteer support of everyone involved which stretches far beyond the organizing committee.

From the lifters who help stack the cars onto the trailers to the drivers of the return vehicles, the helpers who managed the flow of traffic, and the parents and families who worked with the drivers to get their cars ready to race, and shepherd the vehicles during the derby, it took hundreds of you many hours to pull the race together and help it run smoothly.

Beyond that, we have the neighborhood of 276th St. in Stanwood who graciously allowed us to disrupt their life and block access to their homes while we use their street as a race track, including the Stanwood Camano Senior Center and its residents who lend us the use of their parking lot and who hosted a pancake breakfast.

Then there are the drivers themselves, and the generous sponsors, who make this a community event to be proud of.

For those of you who missed the race this year, or who enjoyed it so much you would like to be more involved, there is still time.

There are two roads to the national race in Akron, Ohio, for Soap Box Derby drivers. Drivers can go to Akron as a local race champion or as a rally champion. Rally racers win points competing throughout the year. The Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby will be sponsoring the first annual Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby Rally Aug. 21 and 22, when there will be a double elimination race each day. Local drivers will have the opportunity to meet and compete against drivers from all around the Pacific Northwest.

The rally program allows participants to earn points by racing in various AASBD licensed rally races throughout the United States and Canada. A participant in this program races to win a “Rally Regional Title,” when the winner is considered a “Rally Champion” and is eligible to compete in the AASBD World Championship in Akron, Ohio, against other rally champions.

This year we have three rally champions going to Akron: Maddy Hughes, Jett Whitcher and Alex Lemke.

As with the derby, we need the community’s help on race day.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up the track both days and to help organize the cars at the bottom of the hill at the end of each race, among other jobs.

Please help us grow this wonderful, sporting tradition which has taken root in our community.

Stanwood Camano Soap Box Derby Committee

Stanwood