Most people know what a go-kart is. The original ones were gravity propelled. In other words, they needed a slope to run down. These became popular in the 1930s and could be built at home out of scraps of wood or metal, with wheels taken from baby carriages, old bicycles or tricycles, or fancy “store bought” sets. The nickname “Soapbox racer” comes from the frequent use of wooden soap (or apple) crates, which were common articles in back sheds of the day, in their construction.
Soapbox derbies were a big thing after World War II, with over 50,000 spectators showing up to the American championships every year. Derbies were held in Millbrook in those days as well, with carts racing down the hills on King Street into the village. Nowadays, there is a track behind Kawartha Downs.
The motorized go-Kart was invented in 1956 in California (where else?), by race car mechanic Art Ingels. He bolted a lawn mower engine on a small tubular steel frame and voila, a new mini racing vehicle! These quickly became very popular and remain so. Peterborough’s go-kart track is on David Fife Line, east of the city.
In the early 1960s, at least a couple of motorized go-kart races were held in Millbrook. During the May long weekend of 1962, the Fire Department, with help from the local Scout troop, held one as a fundraiser. Competing drivers from as far away as Port Credit showed up for the big event. The race started in front of the Legion Hall on King Street, karts roaring east to the Distillery Street corner where the dental clinic now stands, then right past the mill and along Anne Street, and finally back down King Street. It was a beautiful day and spectators lined the route, especially at tight corners, waiting to see if a kart would end up in the hay bales acting as safety barriers. By all accounts, it was a great success.
Unfortunately, proceeds from the event barely covered the costs of putting it on. Equally unfortunately, it seems some of the local “lads” decided to emulate the go-kart racers and spent a good part of Saturday night tearing around through the village in their cars. Sunday afternoon (maybe after they were let out from church services) the impromptu races started up again. Calls were made to the local OPP constable but he seemed to be away. Nobody answered the phone at OPP headquarters; it was Sunday after all. Eventually the Peterborough OPP detachment was reached on the phone and they promised to send a car. No car ever showed up but finally, maybe after blowing some tires, or engines, or whatever, the unofficial racers finally headed home, presumably for supper.
Whether it was the lack of profit from the fundraiser, or the mayhem on the streets afterwards, this was the last Millbrook Grand Prix. At least, this is what I can find while looking through the old newspapers in our archive.
Now and Then by Dan Bourgeois