The 2010 Soap Lake Box Derby is Saturday

SOAP LAKE — More than 30 racers are competing for prizes during the 2010 Soap Lake Box Derby in Soap Lake on Saturday.

It’s the first event of its kind in Soap Lake and is the only box derby in Eastern Washington, said Event Director Jim Dorris.

The event kicks off with a $3 breakfast served at the finish line on Main Street at 6 a.m.

Many real-life race cars are on display along with several vendors, he said.

The event is being organized and presented by Soap Lake Boy Scout Troop 44, he said. Although the troop is using the event as their community involvement project, the event is a community event, he explained. Anyone can participate and watch.

The pits open at 7:30 a.m. for inspections of the box cars and practice runs. The qualifying races begin at 9 a.m. The race begins at the top of the hill at the public library.

Chase Mulalley, 13, Ephrata, plans to race.

He said he’s hasn’t participated in a box derby race before. He tested his car a couple of times and said it went well.

Mulalley explained he and several fellow Boy Scouts worked on their cars together. He said so far, testing the car was the most fun part, and as for if he thinks he will win, he says it’s a toss-up.

There are three racing divisions; youth, junior and senior. The youth category is for ages 8 to 13, junior is for ages 14 to 17 and senior is for ages 18 and older, he said. Each division qualifies for a first and second place trophy and third place certificate. There is also a Best of Show award voted on by the public. Dorris said the biggest and best award is the Sportsmanship Award.

He said the event is something families can enjoy together, whether participating or watching. Dorris explained he is hoping to expand the event into other local communities.

For more information, e-mail soaplakederby@ifiber.tv.