Soapbox Derby Trial Run

On May 3rd, Sophie hopped in a soapbox derby car for her first ride down a track at Roanoke's Walrond Park.

All ready to go!

Granny and Papa came to watch, but we had to wait awhile for the real racing that day to conclude before Sophie could give her borrowed car a couple of test runs.

The wait got a little long, and it was a hot day

Charles' friend Matt is big into the soapbox derby scene. He's offered for Sophie to race one of his cars at Harrisonburg's June event that is sponsored and run by Rockingham Rotary. Sophie was a bit hesitant at first, but once she got a chance to try out the car she was all for it.

Sizing up the car

Here's Matt giving Sophie some coaching

Matt and Charles first took Sophie down the track in little segments to let her figure out how to steer and use the brakes.

One of Matt's friends who helped haul the car up to the top of the track

Coming down the track just a bit at a time

After the first time down, they took her about halfway up the track to run the bottom portion, which is not as steep as the top. She had no trepidation at all!

Approaching the finish line

Then finally they took her all the way to the top. She came down that hill like she's been doing this all her life.

I think she's all ready for the race on June 13th. Can't wait to see her complete!