Girls' School Soap Box Team Qualify for Nationals

After five weeks of training, the hard work paid off for the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Soap Box Derby Team at this weekend’s competiton held at Stonefields. The team comprising Kate Frazer, Abigail Mills, Kaythi Finn, Lily Belle Sawyer (Drivers) and Taylor Maxell, Maddison Hickin, Charlotte Tse and Alexandra Knox (Pit Crew) raced exceptionally well, securing themselves a coveted place in the upcoming National Finals and also receiving the award for ‘Best Team Chant.’

It was a well-rounded team approach indeed. Before every race, the girls, led by the team leader, Alexandra Knox, pushed the cart up a steep slope and heaved it onto the starting ramp, unaided by parents. Our all-girls’ team showed determination, strength and team work.  From the outset, it was clear that the girls aimed to be competitive, scorching their way down the track time after time during the heats.

It didn’t all go smoothly though. After a steering cable snapped, a minor collision occurred but with urgent repairs required beyond the capability of the girls - the parents stepped in and rapidly performed a pit stop repair reminiscent of a true Formula One Pit Crew! The shell of the cart was removed, wires detached, nuts and bolts replaced, and cables tightened, just in the nick of time before the next race.

Throughout the day, the girls kept their focus, encouraged each other on and blistered down the steep track. The National Finals are to be held on the Hibiscus Coast next weekend and the team are excitedly looking at ways to squeeze a few extra seconds of speed out their vehicle!