ONTARIO ─ What could be better than racing down a hill on a summer evening and perhaps win some money?
As part of the Fourth of July celebration, Ontario Youth Sports will host the OYS Land Regatta on July 2 at Marshall Park. It is a soap-box-derby-style race for adults that the organization hopes will grow each year and attract more people to the area.
OYS director Kenn Spencer said the organization always looks for something new and different for the park that can include people of any age. It is taking applications for the race. The first 20 teams that complete the application will be eligible for the competition and have the opportunity to win prizes.
The race will take place on the corner of Dunlap Drive and Shelby-Ontario Road. Participants need to follow several design requirements when building their vehicles.
Spencer said the cars have to be self-propelled. No engines, batteries or any kind of external energy are permitted. Each team is allowed to have five people, with two of them, at most, to be the drivers.
In an event like this, aiming to create some crazy fun, the fastest will not necessarily be the winner.
“It’s not just the speed of your car. You get judged by your creativity and the design of your car. As well as showmanship and your car’s performance,” Spencer said.
Each team will do one trip down the course and get judged. Spencer said the first place will be awarded $1,500. The runner-up receives $500. Another $500 goes to the winner of the People’s Choice award.
The time trials/pit row inspection is from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 2, according to OYS. The Land Regatta is scheduled at 8 p.m.
Spencer said OYS is looking forward to the community’s involvement. It could be a great opportunity for companies to advertise their businesses. He also asked the public to invite families and friends to the event.
Those interested in joining the race can send a request to info@oysports.com, text or call 419-566-8072 to receive an application kit.
