W
here can a group of students, a family, or a business build a soap box derby race car and race that car against others in hopes of winning a cash prize or a prize package?
Look no further. The second annual Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby (BRSBD) is revving up for another race, April 25, 9 a.m., in the Fannin County Middle School parking lot.
Organizer Mike Sullivan said the event is made for the locals and emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. There is even an art component to work in the STEAM curriculum. “The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby was created to provide the residents of Fannin County a family centered event while directing any profits towards STEM education in our local schools,” he said.
Sponsors are needed to help make the event a success, said Sullivan. There are five executive level sponsorships available for $1,000 each.
Executive level sponsors will be provided a 10’x10’ booth space at the event to use for their own promotional purposes and are the only sponsors allowed to solicit products or services during the event.
Sullivan said this level includes a 3’x6’ banner (provided by the BRSBD) and displayed in the most prominent location; sponsor name/logo prominently displayed in the derby car “pit” area; name of the sponsor will be mentioned prior to every race category; and will have their name (and/or logo) displayed on the event Facebook page, website, and at the top of sponsor announcements and event t-shirts. “Only five executive sponsors, plus a STEM Team Challenge Sponsor, will be accepted for the event and will not have ‘competing services’ at the same sponsor level. For example, if bank X is an executive level sponsor, no other bank will be accepted as an executive sponsor.”
Diamond sponsorship in the amount of $500 includes a 3’x6’ banner and the name of the sponsor will be mentioned prior to every race category and will have their name/logo listed on the Facebook page, the website and on event t-shirts.
Gold sponsorships in the amount of $250 will include 2’x4’ banner and the name of the sponsor will be mentioned prior to every race category and will have their name/logo listed on the Facebook page, the website and on event t-shirts.
Other sponsorships include silver and bronze for $150 and $100 respectively.
Some children and adults would love to participate in the race but can’t due to monetary reasons, said Sullivan. “We want people to excel and to have fun!” he said. So, they’ve created a vehicle sponsorship for $150.
“This special sponsorship is designed to assist those who are unable to afford the vehicle materials and registration or to be donated to a school for their use. It will provide both the materials and registration fee for one participant and includes a 12”x6” sponsor license plate to be displayed on the vehicle,” said Sullivan. Additional graphics may be displayed on the vehicle at the driver’s expense. The sponsor may choose to be anonymous and organizers will work with them to design a fitting sign/license plate. Sullivan added, unless specified by the sponsor at the time payment is received, vehicle kits will be dispersed by Soap Box Derby Board Members to the sponsored participants.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor may email brsoapboxderby@gmail.com or call 919-273-8315.
Now is also the time for folks to start thinking about their derby cars and making plans to build them. If building from scratch isn’t ideal, car kits are available for $200. Sullivan said the car kits have everything needed to complete a derby car.
The four race categories include ages 7 - 11, 12 - 17, 18 and over, and corporate race with a driver of any age (7 and over). Race registration fees for categories one and two are $25 while race fees for category three is $35 per entry and category four is $150 per vehicle. Racing fees are based on drivers entering the race, not vehicles, Sullivan said.
Monies raised are divided between the participating schools in Fannin County to further develop their STEM programs.