In an exhilarating endeavor to bring the pulse-pounding excitement of races to every nook and cranny of Windsor Essex County, our team is actively engaged in talks with municipalities, local events, and non-profit organizations. Our mission is to create a dynamic network of racing events that will not only entertain but also foster community engagement and collaboration. Buckle up as we share our vision to ignite the racing spirit across the entire Windsor Essex County!
Fantastic Fathers Soapbox Derby
June 14
Tecumseh Corn and Music Festival
August 24
Windsor Children’s Fest September 14
Town of Essex
September 27
Fantastic Fathers Soapbox Derby:
June 14
Tecumseh Corn and Music Festival :
August 24
Windsor Children’s Fest :
September 14
Town of Essex : September 27
Each year, the Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Association proudly participates in Windsor Meet-A-Machine, a family-friendly event where kids and adults alike can explore a variety of vehicles and machines up close. This unique hands-on experience gives us the opportunity to showcase the excitement of soapbox racing to the community.
Interactive Soapbox Car Display: We bring several of our race-ready soapbox cars for kids to sit in, explore, and learn about. This allows them to get a feel for what it’s like to be in a real race car.
Learn About Soapbox Racing: Our team is on-site to explain how soapbox racing works, including the science behind gravity-powered racing and how families can build their own cars.
Meet the Racers: Visitors get the chance to talk with past and current racers, learning firsthand about the thrill of competing in a soapbox derby.
Community Engagement: We answer questions about our upcoming races, car-building workshops, and how to get involved. Families can pick up information on registration and event dates.
Inspiring Future Racers: By giving kids a chance to sit in a car and imagine themselves racing down the track, we hope to spark excitement and encourage new participants to join the sport.
Meet-A-Machine is an amazing event that brings families together to learn, explore, and get inspired by the machines that move our world—including our very own gravity-powered soapbox cars! We look forward to meeting new racers and seeing familiar faces each year at this event!
Each Halloween, the Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Association joins in on the spooky fun by participating in local Trunk-or-Treat and community Halloween events. Our team transforms our soapbox cars into spooky and fun-themed displays, creating a thrilling experience for kids and families to be the audience in the graveyard.
Themed Soapbox Car Displays: We decorate our cars with ghosts, skeletons, and other spooky elements to bring a Halloween twist to soapbox racing in a graveyard as they race past tombstones.
Candy Giveaways: We hand out treats to trick-or-treaters, adding to the festive spirit.
Community Interaction: Families can take pictures with our decorated cars, talk with our team, and learn more about soapbox racing.
Photo Cutouts: Don’t forget the photo cutouts where you can pose as a ghost or a witch!
Fun for All Ages: These events provide an exciting and creative way for us to stay involved with the community outside of race days.
Whether it’s a ghostly race car or a haunted pit stop, we love bringing the thrill of soapbox racing into the Halloween season!
Held in the St. Clair College Sports Complex parking lot in Windsor, our Fantastic Father’s Day Race was a high-energy celebration of family, community, and friendly competition. Taking place on Father’s Day weekend, this event brought together racers and their families for a day of unforgettable fun, proudly hosted and sponsored by the Fantastic Fathers Group.
This location offered a wide, open space perfect for our portable ramp and finish line setup. With the sports complex as a backdrop and clear sightlines for the crowd, the venue gave racers plenty of room to roll—and spectators plenty of reason to cheer. The smooth pavement and secure pit area helped us run a safe and efficient event, making it a favorite stop
From the first run of the day, it was all smiles and cheers as kids—and a few brave dads—took to the track. Racers showcased both kit builds and creative homegrown designs, keeping the crowd entertained with tight races and close finishes. The Fantastic Fathers Group helped create an atmosphere filled with laughter, teamwork, and pride, reminding everyone why this event is such a meaningful tradition.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Fantastic Fathers Group for inviting us and supporting youth-focused activities in the community. Their dedication to celebrating family and creating memorable moments made this event one to remember.
As part of the Belle River Sunsplash, we had the incredible opportunity to bring the thrill of soapbox racing to Lakeview Park, thanks to Belle River On the Lake BIA. This was a brand-new location for us in 2024, making it an exciting milestone for our racing season. With the fairgrounds as a stunning backdrop, the day kicked off with perfect views and plenty of excitement as spectators gathered to watch the action unfold.
This event was also a big day for us, as we proudly unveiled our brand-new race trailer—a game-changer for our race days moving forward. The equipment and setup worked flawlessly, helping us run a smooth and efficient race from start to finish.
Racers from across the region brought a mix of kit cars and homemade builds, showcasing their skills and creativity on the track. The competition was intense, with several close calls at the finish line, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Throughout the day, the crowd cheered on the competitors, adding to the high-energy atmosphere of Sunsplash. At one point, we even had the local news crew on-site, capturing the excitement and helping share our passion for soapbox racing with the broader community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Belle River On the Lake BIA for having us and for their continued commitment to bringing engaging events to the community.
Another new venue for this season, Main Street in Essex welcomed racers from across the county to experience the thrill of racing through the heart of the town’s newly revitalized streetscape. This location is quickly becoming a fan and community favorite, with many spectators capturing the action on Facebook Live and Instagram—a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and tagged us! We were also thrilled to receive an amazing write-up by Garrett Fodor in The Essex Free Press, which is available on our website.
The race saw a fantastic turnout, with eager participants showcasing their homemade soapbox cars. Several kids who arrived early even had the chance to jump into extra cars and experience the excitement firsthand. The day started off strong, with qualifying rounds running smoothly and the weather cooperating just long enough to get some great racing in.
A huge thank you to the Essex Centre BIA for sponsoring this race and helping us bring soapbox racing to Main Street! We can’t wait to return and build on the excitement of this new location.
To kick-off the 2023 racing season, we proudly hosted our first race in the charming town of Tecumseh as part of the Tecumseh Corn and Music Fest. Taking place on August 27, this event marked the beginning of an exciting racing journey, bringing together 15 passionate racers from Windsor, Essex, and Chatham Kent. Against the backdrop of the fair and the festive spirit, our inaugural race was a thrilling success.
Participants showcased an array of kit cars and homemade creations, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship of our racing community. The St. Pius X School track, ensuring a smooth and competitive race for all, situated next to one of the Corn Fest entrances, became the epicenter of excitement. Large crowds flowed in and out throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with the festive spirit of the Tecumseh Corn and Music Fest. Families, friends, and racing enthusiasts alike gathered to witness the exhilarating spectacle unfold.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the St. Clair Beach Optimist Club for resurrecting the Tecumseh Corn and Music Fest and graciously welcoming us as part of this beloved celebration. Their dedication to community engagement and event curation played a pivotal role in the success of our race. The festival provided the perfect backdrop for our racing event, enhancing the overall experience for both participants and spectators.
Amidst the laughter and excitement of children, our two-day event with the Children’s Fest of Windsor on September 16 and 17 proved to be an incredible experience for families and racing enthusiasts alike. From an engaging information booth and show on Saturday to a heart-pounding race on Sunday, our presence inside the Central Park Athletics Center left an indelible mark on the festival.
Saturday Showcase: On the first day, we transformed the Central Park Athletics Center into a hub of racing enthusiasm. Our display featured an array of cars, each a testament to the creativity and diversity within the sport. Families and curious minds gathered around our information booth, where we shared insights on the intricacies of soapbox racing, from crafting your own cars to joining the adrenaline-fueled action.
An interactive activity table for kids allowed them to explore the basics of car design, sparking their interest in the world of soapbox racing. To enhance the experience, we provided two cars for children to sit in, igniting their imaginations and fostering a hands-on connection with the sport. The photo props, capturing the joyous moments of families, became an instant hit, adding a touch of fun to the laughter and excitement of children, our two-day event with the Children’s Fest of Windsor on September 16 and 17 proved to be an incredible experience for families and racing enthusiasts alike. From an engaging information booth and show on Saturday to a heart-pounding race on Sunday, our presence inside the Central Park Athletics Center left an indelible mark on the festival.
In response to the growing enthusiasm for soapbox racing, we are excited to announce our plans to expand racing locations each year trying to bring in a new area of Windsor Essex County each year! Our vision extends beyond the familiar areas, reaching into new communities and regions, creating opportunities for more racers and fans to experience the thrill firsthand. Whether nestled in urban landscapes, scenic countryside, or lively festivals, we aim to bring the excitement of soapbox racing to diverse locations, creating a racing experiences that resonates with a broader audience.
For inquiries and further details, about the possibilities of hosting a soapbox racing event in your area, please contact us at ” INFO.WESDA@gmail.com ” We’re excited about the prospect of collaborating with your municipality, event, or organization to create memorable experiences that resonate with your community. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and we look forward to the prospect of working together to bring the thrill of soapbox racing to your community.
