Take Dad to the races

By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
A weekend at the races is a great Father's Day outing for the whole family—especially the Adult Soapbox Derby Races Friday-Sunday, June 17-19, in Marble Falls.
The action begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the Show-N-Shine event and a parade, where visitors can view all the entries and talk to their builders and drivers. By 7 p.m. races are underway down the big Third Street hill.
“Races look cool under the big stadium lights we bring in,” said Racemaster Taylor Smith.  “The races usually go on until about midnight the first night.”
Saturday is the busiest day at the races with vendors lining the street. Anyone can enter the 6th Annual Derby Hat Contest for just $5. The two categories: Traditional and Outrageous!! will be judged by a panel of local fashionistas.
In-person only Derby Hat registration will be open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the National Adult Soapbox Derby Association (NASDA) trailer.  Judging begins promptly at 2 p.m. and winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.
Racers launch down the track at noon Saturday and go on until 9:15 p.m. when it is time to break for the Derby Street Dance.
An appearance by Teddy Long is being sponsored by Poodie's Roadhouse to begin at 9:30 p.m. in front of the R-Bar & Grill, 904 Third Street.
The artist's popularity has grown steadily in the Hill Country since what he calls “a drunken coin toss” took him to Austin in 2006. Since he has shared the stage with likes of Jack Ingram, Paula Nelson, Django Walker and Texas favorites, Two Tons of Steel. His sights are set on the recording of a new EP in 2016.
The final races are set for noon-4 p.m. Sunday before trophies are awarded, and expect more than trophy for the fastest car down the hill.
“We have more divisions this year, so there will be more racing than ever,” said Smith. “We have added a Powder Puff Division for females only and a new High Octane Division.”
High Octane, of course, refers only to speed. There are no engines in soapbox racing.
“It is for the best of the best,” Smith explained. “We have some really competitive racers. A lot of entries have raced before. There will be a few new entries up to the challenge, but we let them know these are upper echelon cars the will face.”
“Some of these people build amazing, really beautiful,” said Smith. “Some of the awards like the Sculpture on Main Award, recognize that. “Best in Show may be one that looks good, races well or had a really good weekend. They are all sponsored by the Blue Bonnet Cafe.”
“We always have the Jamaican push start with three quick turns,” said Smith. “But we will have a longer, giant slalom race this year off the ramp. We have 22 entries, with just one driver in each car, for that. We are really excited about it.”
Entries come from all over the country will sorts of themes. Included this year is a giant Mrs. Potato Head entry all the way from California. The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department has an entry fashioned after old-time fire trucks.”
“We have a father-son team,” said Smith. “The son lives in Texas, but the father comes in from Colorado for the races.
“Merkel family members come from all over for the whole weekend. They have four cars in the race this year.”
The entire event is carried off without the roar of a single engine, but motor buffs will be able also to ogle more than 30 autos on exhibit from the Lake Area Rods & Classics Club.
Race fans are reminded that lawn chairs and small shade tents are allowed on the Third Street track, but no personal coolers.
The local race and, in fact, the National Adult Soapbox Derby Association itself are the inspiration of Marble Falls business folk.
“The NASDA, that's us,” said Shannon Heep, an event producer who sees success on a national scale. “We started it and two other races in Texas use our rules now.”
“It all started seven years ago. I had produced some art and music events downtown, but I was looking for something new. One Friday evening some of the downtown business people were having a drink at the R-Bar. Russell Buster literally pulled me into the intersection of Third and Main and said, 'We have been talking about racing cars down this hill for more than 20 years.'
“Sunday, I called everybody in to a Monday meeting and handed out a schedule for the first race.”
Along with Heep, Buster and Grant Dean, other intrepid volunteers like Smith, who was part of a pit crew in the very first race, have made non-motor speedway history in downhill runs in Marble Falls.
It all begins again this weekend.
To learn more, visit the website www.adultsoapboxderby.com.

Schedule—Marble Falls Adult Soapbox Derby 2016



Friday, June 17


6 p.m. - Show-N-Shine & Parade


7 p.m.-midnight—Opening Ceremonies and Racing Under The Lights



Saturday, June 18


Noon—Racing Begins—Racing All Day!


2 p.m. - Derby Hat Contest (registration 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)


9:15 p.m. - Racing Ends


9:30 p.m. - Street Dance featuring Teddy Long live



Sunday, June 19


Noon - 4 p.m. - Racing Finals & Award Ceremony