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Grand Prix de Soap Box
Thrill-tensed spectators crowded the roadsides....drivers gripped steering wheels with grim determination...they're off! shouted someone as the starter's flag cut the air..... and the annual soap box derby on Barker's Hill was away to another good start.
Why soap box we are at a loss to explain. The home-made hot-rods hurtling down the hill looked nothing like boxes, soap or otherwise. They were reasonable facsimiles of racing cars powered with units of about 1500 A.G.D, (Automatic Gravity Drive to you).
Scouts from Gisborne and district competed, and the Jack Brabham of the day was Robert, alias Fred, Preddey, of the Warneford Troop.
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Champion Preddey (left) has designs on Michael Richardson's handy lead.
District Commissioner Fred Swindell presents trophy to Robert Preddey, open and junior champ, fastest time
David Peach got cup for best-built car
Keith Mullooly and Russ Wilcox inspecting one of the cars
Blurred spectators retreat behind sand bags as David Peach flashes into final straight.