Our niche events win race for hearts

STREET WARRIORS: Soapbox competitors learn how to overcome their fear by taking the corners and jumps at speed, writes columnist Chris Northover. PHOTO/200114PRDERBY

Wanganui doesn't host the likes of Melbourne's Cup or Grand Prix, nor does it boast the Monaco Grand Prix or even the Ellerslie Flower Show.

We don't have visits from the Rolling Stones or any of the other big bands. But we do have the occasional visit from Michael Houston and I will never forget the Amdram production of Les Miserables.

What we have proven is that we can enjoy ourselves for a lot less money. In world terms the cost is negligible. We have had to learn to entertain ourselves with lots of interesting things - stuff that is harder to run in the big cities.

One of the best occurs each Vintage Weekend when the Total Span soapbox derby is held at "Queen's Park Raceway". It is part of the "caboodle" and caters in the main for the young.

Last year I had to negotiate very hard to get my darling wife to accompany me - she did and was not disappointed. It was like going to the races but without the need for a new frock - the only hat required was not from a milliner but chosen for its practicality. Airs and graces were forbidden.

But why is this event so desirable? Certainly you will see a good cross-section of the town there - and have time to chat. But more attractive is the army of our young blokes, and the occasional girl, their jaws set with determination learning how to overcome the fear as they rip down Drews Ave with their bottoms millimetres from the ground - pushing off at the top - then taking the corners and jumps at speed overcoming the gravitational forces of the "Wall of Death" at the top of the street - over the jumps - then down through the finish line at Roam Cafe.

To drive a soapbox doesn't require that much skill - but taking the corners and jumps at speed takes courage and commitment and does sort the heroes from the show ponies. Why this is important is that it is a voyage of self discovery - to learn how to suppress the fear - that strong sense of self preservation that we all feel when we are close to danger.

I mustn't overstate the danger aspect - it is really only a perception as the chances of getting hurt are minimal - drivers must use helmets and the soapboxes are examined to ensure that they have brakes and nothing is sticking out that could damage the driver. Personally I would include a sturdy jacket that would avoid cuts and abrasions. They do - occasionally - fall over.

The other benefit from this event is that all of these soapboxes are mostly designed and built in Wanganui. Depending on their age and experience the young racers will take a greater or lesser hand in the design and build of the machine. The soapboxes are of varying constructions - but what I have noticed is that they achieve a greater level of sophistication each year. Some manage complete rebuilds or perhaps just a little tweak to make the brakes work better.

With New Zealand's shortage of engineers I wonder how many young people will get their start by figuring out a modification to the braking system of their trolley?

It can be a great boost to the confidence of a young person to modify something mechanical, then risk their reputation on its success in competition. They can learn so much. I hope they do - but please - no one tell the thought police!

Chris Northover is a Wanganui-based former corporate lawyer who has worked in the fields of aviation, tourism, health and the environment.