Cape's Soap Box Derby expands to include drivers with special needs

Soap Box Derby fans with specials needs are now able to step into the driver's seat with two specially made racers.

Tracey Glenn, chairman of the Cape Girardeau Soap Box Derby, said past winners of the Cape Girardeau race saw the cars, called Super Kids Classic cars, at the national championship in Akron, Ohio.

"Last year we started building the cars, and it took us awhile to get them all lined out," Glenn said. "We were able to get them this year. We are going to start with two cars and see what the interest is like and how it works. We might be able to grow the fleet and add another division to turn it into a qualifying race to go to Akron as well."

This year's Soap Box Derby in Cape Girardeau, presented by the Rotary Club, will start at 8 a.m. Saturday at Blanchard Elementary School.

The Super Kids Classic race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Glenn said there are four riders, ranging in age from 13 to 39, registered in the new division. Because of their special needs, the cars are designed to accommodate a second driver.

"We will have one kiddo in each car, and they will have a driver. They are two-seaters, and they have a handbrake," she said. "... They are built so if the kiddo has physical limitations and can't drive the car himself, he can have a brother, sister or friend drive the car with him. There are two steering wheels so they can both steer the car."

The cars will run two at a time. Glenn said she is looking forward to the race.

Glenn said the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club supplied funding and parts for the cars and Ford Groves in Cape Girardeau provided the paint job, complete with racing stripes and a Mustang logo.

For the mother of one of this year's Super Kids Classic competitors, the cars provide a chance for her son to interact with other children.

"I think this really cool because anything that can include kids with disabilities is just very heartwarming for parents," said Corrie Young of Cape Girardeau. "There are so many things you encounter in your daily life that they can't do. It is nice to find something they can do."

Her 13-year-old son, Peyton, has a syndrome that causes severe physical and developmental issues that prevent him competing in a Soap Box Derby race by himself.

Peyton will be riding with his 10-year-old brother, Cy. For Cy, the experience offers a bonding experience with his older brother that he does not usually have.

"It is really good because I have never really done anything like this with him," Cy said. "They don't get to do that much, so this is a good opportunity for them to have a good childhood."