Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Children, youth and parents with an interest in derby cars are being asked to gear up for the engine-revving Derby Dash Speed Challenge coming to Northern Sunrise County later this spring.
Set to host its annual Derby Dash on April 27 at the Nampa Public School gymnasium at 1 p.m., all future mechanics and hobbyists are urged to call to register and participate in the great time!
“Kids and their families should participate in the Kub Car event because it offers a fun and engaging opportunity for creativity, teamwork, and learning,” says Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) director Amber Houle.
“It encourages children to explore their imagination as they design and build their own unique cars. Families can bond through the hands-on activity, collaborating on the car’s design and strategy to optimize its speed.”
Houle explains a Kub Car is a small wooden car that can be shaped and molded into a unique design using creativity and craftsmanship.
“These cars are often created as part of fun, hands-on activities where participants can personalize them by sanding, carving, and painting to reflect their own style,” Houle says.
“To maximize speed, weight can be added strategically to the car’s body, optimizing its balance and aerodynamics,” she adds. “The goal is to create a well-designed, fast-moving car that competes in races, testing both design and engineering skills.”
Houle says families can register for a Kub Car kit, take it home and design their very own speed racer. The custom car will then be brought to the school to compete for the Derby Dash Speed Challenge title and prizes.
“It brings people together, offering an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to connect in a fun, engaging way,” Houle says.
“The event encourages creativity and problem-solving, as participants design and build their cars, and also teaches valuable lessons in sportsmanship and collaboration.
“The Derby Dash also offers local businesses and organizations a chance to support and engage with the community, enhancing a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.”
Houle says the event is a great opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the fun world of derby dash and it will inevitably teach them very important lessons.
“It promotes creativity and self-expression as children design and build their own unique cars,” Houle notes.
“The event encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, as kids experiment with different strategies to make their cars faster and more efficient.
“Additionally, the event fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration.”
There is no set age limit for the competition and Houle says she hopes families will choose to participate in the event to see what great fun this event is.
“After participants register for the Kub Car event, they have time to create their cars before the Derby Dash event day and on the day of the event, a custom 4-track system is used to race the cars and determine the winners,” she says.
“This event is perfect for kids and their families, as it provides a fun, interactive experience that encourages creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Children of all ages, from young learners to older participants, can get involved in designing and building their own Kub Cars.”
To register for the event, please phone (780) 322-3954. Kits go fast so register early!