Pete Allen, Larry Ballou, Clete Hall and Jerry Witt were all Boy Scouts in a Fort Scott Soapbox Derby in 1951.
Now in their retirement years, the four will compete in a similar race called the Marmaton Challenge on June 1 at 9 a.m. at the hill on National Avenue at Oak Street.
The Marmaton Challenge is an event organized by Scoutmaster Seth Needham, of Pack 114. Funds raised will help scouts attend a summer camp.
“These are four survivors of the original soapbox racers from 1951, going at it again for a good cause,” Pete Allen said. “We all encourage the people to come down and support the scouts.”
About the Marmaton Classic Downhill Derby
Derby racing returns to Fort Scott Kansas, according to https://allevents.in/fort%20scott/marmaton-classic-downhill-derby
BSA Pack 114 is hosting a downhill Derby on June 1st.
All area cub scout packs and BSA troops are invited to attend. Additionally, there will be an Open Class so your company or organization can join the fun.
Get your team together for a fun day of racing, or just come to watch and cheer on your favorite team.
There will be three divisions: Cub Scouts, Troop, and Open Class
Registration and Check-in will be at 8 a.m., and racing will start at 9 a.m.
There will be many activities to attend throughout the day since the race is being held on the same day as Fort Scott’s yearly festival, The Good Ol’ Days. So get a team together, show your car off in the parade on Friday night, and come to Fort Scott for some downhill racing.
For additional information or to register, please email Seth Needham @ sethneedham@yahoo.com