Through Irish Eyes: Soapbox Derby

ATHENS, TN, (WDEF)-The soapbox event which is in it’s 20th year is preliminary for the world championships which is in its 77th year.

One rider raced in Athens when it all began 20 years ago

Josh Thurman,"We had melt lead weights down to make the car had to build it had to use a cattle scale to weigh the cars here at the local race for the first year it was an interesting it took a lot of time"

Now Josh is passing his passion for cars  onto nephew Noah Snyder racing for the first time and who is unsure of what excites him most

"I Don’t know"

Other young racers are looking forward to add to their medal collection

"I won a little bitty some kind of plaque thing and I actually got it at the police station in Athens"

Mom’s say they have full faith the racers.

Hannah Snyder, "He hit the hay bails and didn’t get up for a little bit but that is the only thing that makes me nervous , he will do fine he’s done a lot of practice he will be fine"

I decided to get some advice before I went near a car.

"Drive really straight and get really low"

Intern Anastacia Grace from Ringgold Georgia says I don’t stand a chance as I cant drive on the right side of the road

"Georgia is going to beat Ireland"

But I showed her.

So what if I used my hands to propel me forward, just a little.

Sponsors Athens Federal Community Bank say the annual event allows families to come together outside and encourage community spirit.

"The employees kids race throughout the years I think we made it Akron one year, it’s a great opportunity for our bank to support the community great opportunity to bring kids to Athens and its a wonderful event"

The events are open to kids from 7 to 18 and kick off this Saturday.

I think i’ll stick to grown up cars from now on.

For more information on the event and it’s sponsors check out links below.

http://www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/sbd/index.html
http://www.athensfederal.com/