THUNDER BAY - It was a happy conincidence that the year's warmest temperatures coincided with the 16th annual George Jeffrey Children’s Soap Box Races on Saturday.
Racers from ages seven to 14 years of age raced down Waverley Hill in their cars, whit the hopes of crossing the finish line first
Nine-year-old Cayden McCallen had earned a spot in the semi-finals when he said he used a tactic to fuel his success.
"At the top I give it a little yank off the boards to get a little boost off the start so that you're ahead of your opponent,"
McCallen says it's something he's gotten good at it, although he "wouldn't say I'm the best at it."
"Everybody is good at something here."
In his second year of racing, McCallen said it's one of his favourite events of the year.
"Oh yeah, it's great to be up there and being competitive with friends."
In its 16th year, Steve MacDonald executive director of George Jeffrey’s Centre, says the marquee fundraising event is expected to land around last years $37,000 total.
"We should be right around that range," MacDonald said.
Contributions are made from each racer, who raises pedges for race day, and through community sponsors.
Proceeds from the event go towards increased access to specialized care at the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation.
The top pledge raiser for event came from Lucas Lindstrom, a young racer who raced in the two-seat class with a qualified driver.
"That was really exciting, Lucas edged out the next top sponsor in the last hour so that was cool to see," MacDonald said.
