SHARON College plans soapbox derby

The student-run event will benefit a scholarship program at the campus.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- A short section of Shenango Avenue in the middle of the Penn State Shenango Campus will be converted into a miniraceway May 12.
It's being billed as the "First Annual Nittany Soapbox Classic," a student-run venture designed to draw attention to the campus and forge a stronger link with the community.
It's a nonsanctioned version of the famous Soapbox Derby and is really just for fun, said Trisha Rose, a Penn State Shenango business degree major and one of 10 business student interns running the project.
It is expected to become an annual event, she said.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Penn State Shenango Advisory Board's scholarship program, said Dr. Tomas Parks, an assistant professor and coordinator of the bachelor of business degree at the campus.
Source of idea: Parks brought the idea of a soapbox car race to Penn State Shenango. He said a similar event was being organized when he was teaching at Azusa Pacific University in California.
Seniors in the Penn State business major are required to do a project and Parks offered the race idea.
It's a "very practical experience" in running a business venture, he said, noting that between 40 and 50 students are working at various levels on the project.
The students are excited and believe the race will build community excitement, Parks said.
The students are looking for racers and sponsors.
Cars will race down a 6-to-8-foot-high wooden ramp set up in the street.
Anyone with a car can enter, and although the students will build you a Soapbox Derby-style kit car for $500 (a model of which will soon be on display at the Shenango Valley Mall), the actual vehicle regulations are lax.
Requirements: They say only that the car can't exceed 6 feet long or 3 feet wide and must have adequate front and rear axle clearance for the 14-degree ramp it will race down.
No drive mechanisms are allowed as gravity is the only power permitted, and there must be steering and braking systems. Protective headgear must be worn by all drivers.
Go-cart chassis, bed frame, wheelchairs, skateboards and similar modes of transportation are banned.
Racing will be in three age categories -- 8-12, 13-18 and 19 and over -- and trophies will be awarded for first place, with ribbons going to second- and third-place finishers. All participants will get T-shirts.
The deadline for entries is April 30 and all cars will be able to make trial runs from 9 to 10 a.m. race day. There will be a time trial to establish pole position.Racing begins at 1 p.m.
The event will offer a lot more than soapbox cars. There will also be a variety of entertainment, including a disc jockey, muscle cars, craft tables, clowns, face painting and food.
Various levels of sponsorship are available, ranging from $25 to secure a craft table to $500 that will get you a 10-by-10-foot tent, a banner, a table with two chairs and a half-page ad in the event brochure.
To secure a sponsorship or for more information about the race, call (724) 983-2984.