“The greatest amateur racing event in the world” felt more like a state fair (complete with all the right food groups) than a competitive tournament, and we just loved it. It’s been around forever, which gives it both charm and a sense of pride in its own history. The soapbox cars start their gravity-powered descent on the track only when the crank is pulled.  We made friends with the operators and they let us in the pits…where we watched until the races were over and the crowds started to head home, less concerned with who won than the good times they had.