A spring rally will be run on May 12 and 13, as well as the All-America rally June 2. To warm up for the races, a kickoff event was Saturday and continues today at The Mall. The West Central Nebraska Soap Box Derby Association has several cars on display. Parents are invited to bring prospective drivers to The Mall to see if their son or daughter will fit into one of the sleek racers. Participants range in age from 9 to 16.
Drivers can compete in the stock, super stock or master divisions.
First-time racers are invited to be part of the stock class. Each car is built by the family from a Soap Box kit. Participants will receive racing packets, learn about new rules and hear details about the upcoming racing season. Physical therapist Jon Weiseler will be on hand to teach the young drivers how to stretch and what muscles to use to prepare for driving a soapbox car. His Pinewood Derby car won first place at the Boy Scout derby, also Saturday at The Mall.