A group of young racers took to Rogers Street on Sunday, testing their home-built racers by speeding down the hill at Gorton’s in the annual Fish Box Derby, a late summer tradition.
The motorless cars are made and raced by 8- to 14-year-olds with a chance to win trophies and a $1,000 scholarship. The race serves as a fund-raiser, with donations from the derby going toward a scholarship fund for the young participants.
The winner was Sarah DeOliveira of car 1077, followed Charlie Beaudoin who piloted car 129, and Joseph Brancaleone of car 14. All three placed last year.
Jacob St. Pierre’s No. 88 car earned the “coolest car” award while Aiden Ferrelli of car 94 was recognized for the having the “best pit crew” for the second year in row.
The derby is an independent and smaller version of the All-American Soap Box Derby — without the mandates.
The race, which dates to the 1950s, died out after decade before being revived in 1993. It has been organized by the Gloucester AMVETS and American Legion since 2018.