Father's Day soapbox derby: an afternoon of fun that lasts all year

Eight-year-old Heidi Moellenbeck is a speed demon.

In her first year with the St Albert Father's Day Soapbox Derby, she took second place out of 35 drivers.

Last year, she came in first, out of 32.

The two-time champion modestly attributes her success to the special sauce used on the axles of the kart. Other drivers might have lubrication, but Heidi's pit crew takes it one step further with a secret formula. Heidi's grandpa, Reinhard – otherwise known as Opa – provided the German-engineering.

The original Soapbox Derby ran 30 years ago. In 2011, the committee for St. Albert's 150th anniversary brought it back and it's been an annual feature ever since.

“What makes this event special is that there are no computers and no iPads,” says event organizer Cheryl Mackenzie. “Invariably the feedback is ‘It made me work with my kid.'”

It's not just a one-day thing either.

Participants craft their karts from a base kit that includes the steering assembly, wheels, brakes and plans. Teams must also adhere to strict safety rules enforced with inspection ahead of the event. Beyond that, it's up to each team to decide how they want their kart to look and operate.

“Since a number of competitors return each year, it's a whole year of working together, planning, designing, building and anticipating,” Mackenzie says.

“We've had all sorts of karts, including a flowerpot and a shark,” she adds. “But they're starting to get more standard as they learn to race for speed.

“The mothers are petrified, but the fathers just want to win.”

The Moellenbecks became involved after a neighbour competed.

“We watched and cheered,” says Heidi's father, Jason. “Both kids were immediately interested.”

At age four, Jeremy was too young to race. It fell on big-sister Heidi to establish the family name in the biz. After two prestigious medals, she's now ready for retirement, though she doesn't discount a comeback.

Meanwhile it's Jeremy's turn to carry on the family legacy.

Heidi's car was splattered with different paints, resulting in the name Splatter-car. That alone would terrify most mothers. Jeremy's design incorporates a skull and crossbones – and lots of fire. His car is The Sizzler.

When asked if he feels any pressure to live up to the family name, Jeremy, now six, admits he does feel the heat.

I was about to remind him he's got the Moellenbeck genes, so he can't help but come out ahead, when Opa interrupted with some sage advice.

“Winning isn't everything. It's about having fun.”

The St. Albert Father's Day Soapbox Derby is accepting entries right up until inspection day June 16th. Interested parties can contact Cheryl Mackenzie at [email protected] or phone 780-907-1034. The fees are $40 per driver, plus $90 for the base kit. The race takes place on Father's Day, June 21st, at noon on St Vital Ave Hill.