This Is How We Roll!!
At the heart of the Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Association’s race day is our state-of-the-art portable ramp, affectionately nicknamed “The Transformer.” Designed to fold up and down with ease, this self-contained marvel is towed to each event by a pickup truck, ensuring that wherever we go, the thrill of soapbox racing follows.
Key Features of “The Transformer”:
Portable and Compact Design:
When folded, “The Transformer” measures 12 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and stands 12 feet tall, ready to hit the road behind a standard pickup truck.
Unfolds to Action:
Upon arrival, the ramp effortlessly unfolds off the side of the trailer, lowering smoothly to race-ready position.
Wide and Safe:
Each ramp measures 54 inches wide, with a 2-foot gap between them, ensuring ample space and safety for all racers.
Equal Starts for All:
A full-face drop gate guarantees that every racer begins from the same starting point, making for fair and thrilling competition.
Smooth Transitions:
The double arch design provides a seamless transition from the ramp to the ground, making every race run smoothly.
Hoists for Easy Loading:
Two integrated hoists serve as platforms to lift race cars to the top of the ramp, making loading simple and safe.
Our finish line is a collapsible structure equipped with built-in speakers and timing equipment. Although we are still in the early stages of incorporating advanced features, we plan to wrap the structure with a banner to enhance visibility and branding. Future upgrades will include digital time clocks and cameras that capture triggered time photos of each racer as they cross the finish line. This will add an exciting new element, allowing participants and spectators to see official times and action shots!
From the ramp to the finish line, our track spans 300 feet or more, providing ample space for exciting races. The ramp, from starting height to ground, features approximately 24 feet of surface, allowing for a smooth and controlled descent. The main track width is 20 feet, giving racers plenty of room for side-by-side competition. Plywood sides help guide the cars safely down the track, acting as a barrier in case of any steering malfunctions to ensure racers stay on course. At the end of the track, pylons are strategically placed to help slow or stop the cars, functioning as wedges in case a racer experiences difficulty stopping.
The Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Association is more than just races and cars—it’s a testament to the power of community spirit, collaboration, and passion. The creation of our innovative equipment, from “The Transformer” portable ramp to our advanced timing system, wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of individuals and local businesses who dedicated their time, expertise, and resources.
From the very beginning, volunteers have been the backbone of our operations. Skilled craftsmen, engineers, and local enthusiasts came together to design and build the equipment that makes race day possible. They’ve spent countless hours perfecting every detail—from the ramp’s smooth double-arch design to the intricacies of the timing system—ensuring that everything runs efficiently and safely. Whether it’s setting up the track, troubleshooting technical issues, or cheering on racers, our volunteers play a critical role in every aspect of the event.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to evolving and enhancing the sport. Our plans to improve the finish line with real-time timing clocks and photo-triggered cameras, as well as continuing to refine our ramp and track safety features, are all fueled by the same community spirit that helped us get this far. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in soapbox racing.
Every piece of equipment, every race day, and every racer’s experience is a product of this incredible community effort. It’s a reflection of what can happen when people come together for a shared goal: to build something fun, meaningful, and lasting.
Several local businesses stepped up to provide materials, tools, and space to make our ideas a reality. From donating the steel used in our ramp’s frame to lending us expertise in electronics for our timing system, the business community’s commitment to this project is what brought it to life. Without their generosity and collaboration, it would have taken much longer to assemble and roll out the equipment we proudly use today.
We are also deeply grateful to our annual sponsors, whose financial support has allowed us to accelerate our plans and enhance the overall race experience. Thanks to these sponsors, we were able to showcase our equipment earlier than anticipated, and we continue to make improvements each season. Their belief in our mission to create a fun, safe, and competitive environment for youth racers is what keeps this sport alive and thriving in our region.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, whose generous contributions have made this possible. Together, we’re helping the sport of soapbox racing reach new heights!
