Vehicles with their own special designs raced through the streets near the state capitol in Montgomery Sept. 29 during the second soapbox derby for Alabama Baptist Royal Ambassadors (RAs).
Steve Stephenson, RA consultant for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said the derby involved 35 cars- 10 more than the previous year- and 76 drivers.
Some 150 spectators watched the event, which Stephenson said is designed to nurture relationships between fathers and sons by getting them- as well as leaders and their RAs- working together in creating the cars.
RAs from churches in Arab, Huntsville, Russellville, Selma, Calera, Haleyville, Coosada, Montgomery, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa participated, according to Stephenson.
Creative designs
Although the frames and braking and steering systems may have been purchased, the boys fashioned the cars themselves, Stephenson said.
The result was a mix of creative engineering feats. One car was fashioned from a riding lawn mower frame, while another was created from a salvaged airplane fuel drop tank. Boys were allowed to spend $150 on their cars.
Stephenson said Montgomery closed off several key blocks downtown to host the derby, which made RAs feel special because of the priority shown for their competition.
Obstacle course
Drivers competed in races judged by speed and distance. One race featured an obstacle course in which one boy pushed for half the race and then switched places with the driver for the second half.
Winners registered a maximum speed of 29 mph throughout a distance of six city blocks when they stopped.
“Three cars went through the barricade,” Stephenson said with a laugh. “A motorcycle cop had to go catch one of them.”
To determine awards, competitors were divided by their ages and by the wheel size of their cars as well as whether the car had been in other races.
Gilliam Springs Baptist Church in Arab, which was represented by eight RAs in the derby, took the trophy for Best of Race for exhibiting the most enthusiasm.
Stephenson said 65 trophies were awarded to participants in categories that included best looking, most unique and best designed cars.
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