ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Get ready to see boxcars zipping by the Big House.
Active Against ALS is partnering with Phi Delta Theta, a fraternity at the University of Michigan, to bring back a fundraising Box Car Derby to downtown Ann Arbor on April 10.
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The Tree Town-based nonprofit organization raises money for research and treatments for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a rare disease that impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord of those affected. Since 2009, the organization has raised $800,000 towards research and the Box Car Derby event has raised more than $75,000.
For the April 10 event, racers can build their own box cars or buy and paint pre-built cars. Those without their own vehicle can borrow one from the ALS boxcar derby fleet.
Active Against ALS has kits for sale, which cost $60-$100, for those unsure of how to make their own boxcar.
From 2-5 p.m. racers will compete by flying down East Keech Avenue, off of Main Street just north of Michigan Stadium.
Participants can sign up for three different divisions:
- 9 and Under Classic Car division: ages 5-9
- Open Classic Car division: age 10 and older
- Big Kid division: teens and adults age 15 and older
Trophies will be given to top finishers, runners-up and the best-decorated car in each division. Pizza, games and goodies will be provided, according to a release.
Find more derby details and registration information here.