Registration open for Derby

By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
March 12, 2004
The Queen City Soapbox Derby is getting ready to roll out another day of competition.
The annual race is preparing for its third year in Meridian and is in the process of registering children interested in racing down 23rd Avenue.
Spots are still available for boys and girls ages 8-16 who weigh less than 150 pound, but racers are encouraged to get registered as soon as possible.
The race is scheduled for June 19, but participants need to sign up soon, so cars that need to be built can be finished on time.
The race is just one of two soapbox derbies in the state. The other race is held in Moss Point.
All the participants will race in a double-elimination tournament to earn a trip to the National Soapbox Derby in Akron, Ohio.
According to Hill, the Queen City Soapbox Derby is quickly gaining popularity and turning into a great event for the city. Last year, the race brought 600 people out to watch, and Hill is expecting even more this year.
This year's competition will feature a new event. The last two seasons, the race has featured stock class cars, but this year, a superstock class will be added. The superstock class will allow some of the older and bigger kids to get involved.
According to Hill, 10 participants are already signed up for the superstock race. Twenty-two competitors are signed up for the stock race.
Last year's event had 26 participants so the jump to 40 cars would be a major step for the race. Along with the progress comes the need for sponsors.
Businesses and people can sponsor a car for $500. The payment helps supply a car that can be used for the next seven years of competition.
The sponsorship from last year helped make the event a success, and the event is looking for anyone interested in helping sponsor another great year.
Anyone interested in registering for the race or getting more information can contact Danny Hill at 483-2090 or 737-4621.