The annual Soup Box Derby will be held a bit earlier this year, so racers should begin building their car soon, according to a Thursday news release.

“A new date this year may catch people off guard, so race organizers want to give plenty of notice,” the news release said.

This year the race will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Sunday, August 17, in downtown Langley.

The Soup Box derby has been a tradition since 1972, with only a few interruptions. Last year the event was canceled due to rain.

Having the event earlier in the year may ensure better weather, organizers say.

Entrants can be almost anything on wheels; even the wheels themselves can be just about anything—wagon, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, wood, rubber or metal. The racer design is limited only by the imagination, but each must have brakes and can be no heavier than 600 pounds for adults and 300 pounds for drivers 12 and younger.

The race begins at the top of First Street hill and runs down the steep incline for a long block. The vehicles can carry as many as four people, but all must wear helmets and sign injury waivers.

The race can take 33 vehicles, and everyone goes home with a trophy.  The event is sponsored by Langley Community Club and Langley Main Street Association.

For details, contact Tucker Stevens 360-221-4188 or Bob Dalton at 206-396-4148.