Soap Box Derby Thrills

May 1964

South Yorkshire Times May 16.

Soap Box Derby Thrills.

A crowd of over 500 gathered to watch the exciting Soap Box Derby arranged for the youth of the area, and held on Conisbrough crags on Saturday.

The first kart to set off on the track came off at the second bend, while the second kart hit one of the track stewards, causing him abrasions.

The drivers of the kart, representing Park Gate, Iron and Steel, 16 years old Frank Loasby and Trevor Travers explained that their steering had failed, causing them to turn into Mr Frank Briggs, the track steward.

The karts, 14 in all, had to run the course three times, and the winner was the one with the best aggregate – only five karts finished the course.

Mr I.D.B.Howard, the area youth officer, told the “South Yorkshire Times,” this is new in this area and the boys think it is fun. I hope that Conisbrough Urban Council will allow us to make this an annual event.”

A few minutes later the ambulance arrived to take the second injured person, 14 years old. John Rowe, of 25 Loversall Street, Denaby to hospital with injuries to his left leg. He was allowed home after treatment. John’s kart had overturned on the track, but his teammate was unhurt