Large field already for July derby

SHARON — The Sharon Fire Department’s “No Guts, No Glory†adult soapbox derby is still three months away, but fire department member and event organizer Eugene Aakjar said the field is already packed with entrants.

“The other night I counted and we have at least 16 entries, and I’m told we might have five more by this weekend,†Aakjar said. “Honestly, I thought we would only get 10 cars. If we get 20 cars I will be ecstatic.â€

Aakjar said teams that have thrown a hat into the race ring include Northern Dutchess Paramedic and the Lakeville Hose Company. Sharon-based radio station WHDD-919.FM (Robinhoodradio.com) has also announced plans to compete.

“I will have two cars in there myself and I have also talked to the Falls Village Fire Department, they’re still working on their car,†Aakjar said. “We will accept entries all the way to the day of the race. If you can get a car there by the time it starts on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m., whoever shows up, we will get you on the hill.â€

The race will be held on the steep downhill that runs from Sharon Ridge to Veterans Field.

All entries must be strictly “do it yourself†and cannot cost more than $300 to build, according to the rules. The car may not be wider than 5 feet or longer than 12 feet. It can’t weigh  more than 250 pounds (not including driver). Three wheels must be in contact with the pavement at all times.

Soapbox derby kit cars are not allowed, nor are skateboards or other similar vehicles.

“Bring your kids and your neighbors to the event of the summer and leave with the stories of a lifetime,†the entry form says. “If you cracked a smile or let out a chuckle while imagining it then come and get a great big belly laugh as we bring imagination into reality and watch racers test their homemade machines against not only each other, but against the hill itself. It’s 1,800 feet of the most fun gravity can offer in an afternoon.â€

Aakjar said admission to the event is free and there is no entry fee for participants.

“I hope to see a lot of people there,†he said. “Bring your kids and your lawn chairs! We are hoping to make this a nice community day.â€

As for his own cars, Aakjar had one on display at Sunday’s clam bake at the firehouse. It is made of a 55-gallon plastic drum (used for soap for a carwash). The “nose†is the lid from a Weber grill. The four bicycle tires are controlled by a bicycle brake.

The car weighs 60 pounds and Aakjar weighs 120 pounds. This gives him an advantage at the starting line, he said, because he can start swiftly. But he said it helps to have more weight on the straightaways.

“I have an advantage taking off but it catches up to me at the end,†he said.

For more information, call Aakjar at 860-364-5254 or e-mail soapbox2009@hotmail.com.

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