Oklahomans and Route 66ers will have a new way to celebrate Independence Day this year with the launch of Rascals on Route 66, a Soap Box Derby race through the center of downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
This will be Oklahoma’s second Soap Box Derby race this year, after the annual Luther Fire Department Soapbox Derby planned for June 6.
“We’re hoping to make this an annual event celebrating Route 66 and our beautiful downtown,” said Tiffany Thompson, who is coordinating Rascals on Route 66 for the nonprofit See Sapulpa, a tourism arm of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce and the city.
“The racer will run down Dewey Avenue, the Mother Road’s historic path through Sapulpa,” said Thompson said. “It’s a marvelous way to celebrate the improvements our city, Sapulpa Main Street and the chamber have made to Route 66 and this historic district over the last five years, and it’s a great way to support all the merchants there and build our tourism even higher!”
The event allows Oklahomans to celebrate not just the Route 66 centennial, but the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, said Chamber President Janet Birnie.
“I don’t think there’s another Route 66 event like it,” she said. “There’ll be excitement with the colorful cars and races that children and their parents may enjoy together. Plus, we’ll have music and food and shopping … It’s just a great way to celebrate the holiday!”
Rascals on Route 66, which draws its name in part from the 1994 Soap Box Derby film “The Little Rascals,” will start at 8 a.m. on July 4 with four race categories: traditional downhill gravity-powered races for drivers age 4-9, 10-15 and 16 and older, plus an obstacle course for racers 18 years old or older.
Each category is limited to 26 entrants who will get one chance to tackle the two-block Dewey Avenue course. Those earning the four fastest times will get a second chance to improve their performances. Drivers garnering the top three times in each category will win awards, presented in the early afternoon.
Rascals on Route 66 will also offer a Best Looking Car Award. While event rules stress safety first, they also require driving teams to adorn their vehicles in dynamic ways.
“Every single car must be decorated with an extravagant theme,” Thompson said. “We are talking giant chickens, ice cream trucks, Minecraft vehicles … that sort of thing. If your cart does not have a fun, bold, extravagant theme, it will be disqualified from this event.”
This is the one category where fans may influence who wins the award.
“Observers will have a chance to vote in support of their favorite cars,” she said. “You have to pay a dollar per vote, so for those who like to fill the voting box, now they can – as long as they pay for it.”
Derby cars will use rubber wheels to protect Dewey’s new road surface, which the city completed in January. Interested entrants may look over racer safety, construction, braking and other rules at rascalsonroute66.com.
While pedestrians and fans may participate for free, drivers face a $25 entrance fee if paid before May 25. On May 25, the fee rises to $45.
Sponsorship levels start at $500 in cash or materials/services of equal value. Premier sponsors include Farmers Insurance agent Steve Grogan, Reed Architecture & Interiors, and Carletti Dentistry & Associates, all of Sapulpa, along with the Sports Car Club of America’s Northeastern Oklahoma Chapter, energy drink producer Red Bull and Ferrell’s Ranching and Land Management of Kellyville.
“Ferrell’s is providing 650 hay bales, which we will use to line the racetracks,” Thompson said. “Steve Grogan and Farmers Insurance are providing track insurance. NEOKLA Region SCCA is providing the timing system. Reed Architecture and Carletti Dentistry are Twin Turbo sponsors. Red Bull will provide event merchandise and energy drinks.”
Details may be found on Rascals on Route 66’s Facebook and Instagram pages or at rascalsonroute66.com.
(Courtesy image of the Rascals on Route 66 logo)