Health & Fitness
Start Your Engines, UP. The Race Is Two Weeks Away
UP resident and Patch Mom, Rachel Lauzon, offers her perspective and voice on everything University Place. Today, she shares her family's participation in the Fircrest Derby Days.
Only two weeks away until my 6-year-old son will be driving in his first car race, and I can’t wait.
On July 9, UP residents and others from the neighboring cities will be putting their hard work and ingenuity on display as we gather to race in the Fircrest’s Derby Days.
For the past month, my husband has scoured Craigslist postings for free items that he could use for our son’s soapbox car.
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A used riding lawn mower, a treadmill, plywood and a toddler ride-on toy later, it’s finally coming together.
The car is transforming from piles of metal and bolts sitting on our back patio to a derby car that would make any mother proud. Unfortunately, for you readers, my husband has the car under lock and key, so pictures are considered top secret in our family.
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Though I’m a proud mama right now, a part of me dislikes giving up quality adult time with my husband, but he seems to be living his childhood dream, so I ignore the fact he’s out back or in the garage from the time he gets home until the sun goes down.
I’ll find sketches around the house, Craigslist posting on computer screens, tools sitting around, and my garage is no longer a place for vehicles with motors, but I’d give it up again to see a member of my family representing not only our name, but University Place.
When the race gets closer and our derby car takes more shape, I’ll update University Place on our progress with pictures as long as the clearance has been lifted, and I'll let you know how the little driver is preparing for the race.
According to Derby Days, several families turned in their entries on the last day, so this is sure to be a fun-filled race day, and their website even offers sneak peaks into the progress of other racer's cars.
I’m excited to participate in some good ol’ family fun and watch families from our communities participate in a little friendly competition.
If you don't have a car but would like to partake in the family-friendly fun event, Derby Days could use extra hands the day of to help make the race day go smoothly. Contact them for further information.
On your marks, get set, go!
Do you have memories of building or racing in a soapbox derby car? Share below in comments.