By Kyle Coppola
Fruitland Park Soap Box Derby Returns June 15
The excitement is building in Fruitland Park as the much-awaited Derby Kart Race is set to return on June 15th, 2024. This event, known for its thrilling kart races and creative designs, attracts participants of all ages eager to showcase their skills and imagination.
(Austin See was the fastest of the girls last year. She had a great time.)
For those with a knack for tinkering, the race offers a unique opportunity to turn spare parts into racing machines. Families and friends come together to build their karts, turning the process into a memorable bonding experience.
Last year’s event saw a variety of karts, from classic wooden designs steeped in nostalgia to futuristic creations that impressed with their speed and innovation. Alongside awards for the fastest karts, there was also recognition for the most creatively designed kart, showcasing the diversity of talent and imagination among participants.
(So many creative Karts showed up last year. It was a day to enjoy the spirit of creativity and fun.)
“I had the opportunity to participate with my daughter and family last year,” shared one excited participant. “While our kart wasn’t the fastest, the joy of being part of the race and seeing all the amazing creations was priceless.”
(Weston stands with his race winning Kart from last year. Weston won $100 for taking 1st place. Weston also won for best in show. What a cool looking Kart!)
The registration fee is a modest $25 per driver, making it accessible for all enthusiasts. The deadline for registration is June 5th, 2024, and those interested can reach out for more information by emailing cwilson@fruitlandpark.org.
(Last year Weston took 1st place, Ben Wilson was 2nd and Corbin Yoder finished 3rd.)
As the countdown to June 15th begins, anticipation mounts for another exhilarating Derby Kart Race where speed, creativity, and community spirit collide on the track.
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
