Hobsonville leader of the pack

FAST PACE:  Hobsonville Primary students Karl Sundgren, 12, and Josh Ward-Donnellan,10 with their  school's Western Leader sponsored soapbox.
 Photo: Fiona Goodall

By Rani Timoti

Ladies and gentlemen start your engines...

Or at least make sure you give them a good push.

The Waitakere Licensing Trust soap box derby will be held this Sunday at Westgate Drive from 9am.

Up to 21 schools will compete in the event which is organised by the Rotary Club of Waitakere City

"It's a great opportunity for kids to get some mechanical experience.  It's a primer for future stock car racing," club spokesman Kerry McMillan says.

The cars, all sponsored by various businesses, include the Western Leader's soapbox being driven by Hobsonville Primary School students.

Last year's race was won by Royal Rd Primary School student James Cooper who went on to represent New Zealand at the All American Soap Box Derby where he won the world title.

James won the world title in an event against the other countries.

The Waitakere City Council is supporting the event and proceeds will go towards various west Auckland youth projects, including anti-truancy and police youth development.

Western Leader