CEDAR CITY — Custom-built race cars fueled by nothing more than gravity will once again cruise down Royal Hunte Drive on Saturday in the sixth running of the Cedar City Soap Box Challenge.
Event organizer Byron Linford said this year’s event is once again sponsored by the RallyStop convenience store located near the finish line at the base of the hill.
Last year’s event attracted about two dozen competitors ages 8 and up.
“They have to be at least 8 years old, but beyond that there’s no age range,” Linford said. “They have to be able to fit in the car. Last year, we had a guy in his 50s that raced in the unlimited class, and our youngest was an 8-year-old. So everywhere in between, but mostly on the younger side of things, of course.”
Linford added that the event is not an officially sanctioned Soap Box Derby competition, but rather a just-for-fun event designed to promote the hobby of building and racing such vehicles.
The customized cars, which can range from simple to elaborate, all have steering components and brakes, but vary widely in their appearance. The riders race two at a time, side by side, downhill toward the finish line as spectators watch and cheer. Weights are added to cars as needed to help keep the competition fair.
Each racer’s entry fee is a suggested donation of $15, with this year’s proceeds benefiting local teen suicide prevention efforts, said RallyStop area manager Amanda Curtis, who is helping organize the event.
Registration and technical preparations are scheduled from 7-9 a.m. Saturday, with races starting at 10 a.m. and ending between 1-2 p.m.
Traffic on the affected portion of Royal Hunte Drive and surrounding streets will be restricted the morning of the race, so motorists are advised to take alternate routes if possible.
Event details
- What: “Cedar City Soap Box Challenge.”
- When: Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Royal Hunte Drive / Providence Center Drive, at the base of the hill (click here for map).
- Admission: Free and open to spectators to watch. Entrants are asked to make a $15 charitable donation.
- Additional information: Visit the event’s website or Facebook page, or call Amanda Curtis at 435-327-2255.
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