Marines of Marine Corps Security Force Company, Bangor’s (MCSFCo) orientation class volunteered their weekend to help lift soap box derby cars onto trailers after racers finished their runs, March 16.

A total of 15 MCSFCo volunteers came out to help lift cars and motivate the children as they raced their soap box derby cars down a hill in nearby Poulsbo.

“This is a good experience to be able to come out here and help out,” said Pfc. Jason Cook. “I have never seen a soap box derby before, so it’s cool to experience this.”

“I came here to help load the cars and help out the community,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel Abbott. “I’m not from the area, so this lets us get out meet new people. The races are new to me and I wish I had done this when I was a child.”

The derby ran from Saturday morning through Sunday evening to see who the fastest racer on the hill was. The Kitsap Soap Box Derby Association event kicked off their 2008 season.

“The Marines volunteer and do the most unthankful job that can be done for us,” said Steve Welzbacker, a father of a soap box derby racer. “It’s just great to have their support. They lift cars all day long for us. The daddies all like to be at the top where the action is and the Marines are doing the grunt job and bringing the cars back to the top of the hill for us. “

The racers used three different types of cars including stock, super-stock and masters. Their car type was determined by their age and skill level. If the racers accumulate enough points throughout their season, they have the opportunity to travel to Akron, Ohio, for the finals.

“Where I grew up, we had a soap box derby, so this is pretty cool to see,” said Lance Cpl. Jason Fishburn. “I never really raced but I helped out people who did. I have been involved with it before and I wanted to do it again because it’s fun.”

The Kitsap Soap Box Derby Association is a part of the All-American Soap Box Derby Association, which is a youth initiative of NASCAR.

“Its great having the Marines here because its saves the parents’ backs from having to lift the cars at the end of the race,” said Cmdr. Phillipe Grandjean, the defending champion’s father. “It allows us the opportunity to spend more time with our children and prepare for each of the races.”