SOAP BOX DERBY IS BIG SUCCESS

After about 50 years, the Soap Box Derby has returned to Cape Girardeau. And if the races on the Sprigg Street hill in front on Blanchard School last Saturday are any indication, the derby will be a nice addition to the annual calendar of events.

The official organization that oversees such events is the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. It sanctions races all across the country. The kits for Soap Box cars are carefully monitored by the national organization. There are lots of rules and regulations. But the ultimate goals is to give youngsters 9 to 16 years old a competitive event that involves at least one parent. In reality, most Soap Box racers get the entire family involved somehow.

So, last Saturday more than 40 youngsters, two by two, steered the Soap Box cars they had helped build down the race course. Each racer's time was officially recorded. Each racer participated in two races. The times for both races were averaged, and those averages determined who was the fastest.

Interestingly, the difference between the fastest time and the slowest time was less than 2 seconds. The four best times were literally hundredths of a second apart.

Anyone who watched the races Saturday morning saw what a thrill it was for each racer. They also saw the pride the youths had in the cars they had put together. And they saw a heap of good sportsmanship as the drivers congratulated each other at the bottom of the hill not knowing who had the better time.

The Soap Box derby is a project of the Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau. A big chunk of this year's expenses were underwritten by a generous grant from St. Francis Medical Center. There were many other sponsors as well, including the numerous businesses and individuals who purchased Soap Box racer kits.

Given the success of this year's test race which was too late to be officially sanctioned by the national organization, there is plenty of enthusiasm to continue the derby for years to come. Quite a few folks said they would be buying car kits next year. And, of course, this year's cars can be taken apart so next year's racer's can put them together and participate in the officially sanctioned races that will be scheduled. Ultimately, the winner in Cape Girardeau could wind up in the national Soap Box Derby in Akron.

This is a good event for Cape Girardeau. And Rotarians who made it possible are to be congratulated for making the effort. Congratulations also in order for the many non-Rotarians who pitched in when help was needed. In particular, several police officers took time from their schedules to set up the race course and to help on race day.

Thanks.