West Lincoln Street was packed this past Saturday for the return of the Tullahoma Soap Box Derby in downtown Tullahoma.

Starting at 7 a.m., 43 racers made their way down the hill in three division races as their friends, family and spectators cheered them on.

According to Soap Box Derby board member Joseph Thomasson, the event was made possible thanks to over 20 sponsors, including Tullahoma Utilities Authority, which livestreamed the eight-hour event.

“That was definitely an integral part in making the race possible, because without their financial support, we wouldn’t have been able to buy some of the new equipment that the kids were racing on this year.”

Thomasson also thanked all the volunteers for helping to make the day possible, like the Tullahoma High School bowling team and the JROTC for helping in setting up and moving some of the cars in the early hours on Saturday. He also thanked the Tullahoma Parks and Rec staff for being able to set up the race course.

“Between the adults and the student volunteers, it definitely was a combined effort,” Thomasson said.

With the success of the soapbox derby’s return, Thomasson said that the derby will be around for many years to come.

“This is a unique event that gives kids a lot of opportunities that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else,” he said. “I also strongly feel that the event can be appealing to those, even if they don’t have a child racing.”

Thomasson said he and the rest of the board are working to try to help really make the soap box derby a fun Saturday morning for all of Tullahoma to look forward to.

“That’s what we’re really looking forward to as a really growing this as a fun thing that people can look forward to as the first Saturday in May.”

Thomasson added that the whole derby would not have been possible if it weren’t for Dr. Hunter Norris championing the cause. Norris passed away unexpectedly back in February.

“He really was the one that pulled the board together to get Tullahoma racing again,” Thomasson said.

The Norris family was on hand volunteering and helping with the race, including Amy Norris, who presented a special award to one racer who demonstrated his ability to never give up, just like her husband, Hunter.

“Even though he wasn’t there physically, we really feel like he was there, and represented well,” Thomasson said.

The racers were also competing for a chance to qualify for the World Championships in Akron, Ohio later this summer.

The winners in the Stock Division were: 1st – Benton Hartline; 2nd – Conner Green; 3rd Jase Mitchell. In the Super Stock Division wines were: 1st – Soph Thomasson; 2nd – Kate Butler; 3rd – Clayton Goshorn: In the Super Kids Division winners were: 1st Jaxx Jones and Runners up: Owen Brinkley, John Brotherton and Carson Rogers.