Organizer says derby racing is a safe sport

On Sunday, Alder Avenue in Moose Jaw will be lined with haystacks, race cars, race car drivers and fans of all ages.
It is once again time for the Queen City and District Soap Box Derby.
Although the only roars you may hear will be from the crowd and not a souped-up engine, the soap box derby is known for drawing quite good crowds, said Don Brooks, the vice-president of the Queen City and District Soap Box Racing Association, which, in spite of the name, is based in Moose Jaw.
He said, weather-permitting, the event, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature drivers in both the junior and senior categories and offer entertainment for all ages.
"The races really are for the entire family, and we encourage the whole community to come and check them out."
He said the derby at this time has about 30 drivers entered, including drivers from Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Regina, Saskatoon and as far away as Winnipeg.
Drivers range in age from seven to 15 and drive at various skill levels, said Brooks.
However, he said, don't let the size of the vehicles fool you. When those cars get going and the race is on, "they really get moving, reaching speeds of almost 50 km/h."
Brooks said this year the association was happy to announce not only that it's the derby's 23rd anniversary, but also that it's the club's 23rd year without serious injury.
"We really take pride in that."
Brooks said part of the reason he believes the association has been so fortunate and avoided serious injury over the years is due to the added time it spends educating the drivers on injury prevention.
"Safety is our number one concern."
Brooks said it has always been a priority of the association to ensure it has done all it can to prevent the drivers from making unwise decisions while behind the wheel, while at the same time making the track as safe as possible.
To ensure no spectator goes hungry while enjoying the races, Brooks said the association has once again invited the Moose Jaw division of Scouts Canada tp serve hamburgers and hotdogs, raising money for itsclub.
Brooks said the support shown by local businesses and the community has also been amazing and only hopes it continues for years to come.
For those looking to become soap box derby drivers or are looking for further information, Brooks said they can contact him at 692-3955.

Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.