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About
Learn more about Almetal Extendible Co. Ltd. and DERBY GOKIT ®.
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Family owned and operated since 1981
The DERBY GOKIT® soapbox race car kit, made by Almetal Extendible Co. Ltd., has been used to standardize races since the early 1980s. Garry Rogers, the founder of Almetal, started making the DERBY GOKIT® for his children out of his garage in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada over 40 years ago.
Garry created the DERBY GOKIT® to tackle the most difficult part of soapbox race construction, steering. He recognized that most families did not have the equipment necessary to make an automotive style steering mechanism. As a former school teacher, he also recognized that children benefit from all experiences with soapbox racers from the principles of design, exposure to basic construction skills and good natured racing.
Over the last 40 years, by specifying the use of DERBY GOKIT® as the basis of construction of all soapboxes in the race, organizers are assured that participants are on a level playing field. By keeping the build of a basic soapbox inexpensive (under $100USD delivered*), more children can participate. Garry Rogers' granddaughter, Emily Rogers, has taken over the day-to-day operation of the family business following his passing in July of 2023. The company continues to operate, just outside of Winnipeg, as a family business.
Garry created the DERBY GOKIT® to tackle the most difficult part of soapbox race construction, steering. He recognized that most families did not have the equipment necessary to make an automotive style steering mechanism. As a former school teacher, he also recognized that children benefit from all experiences with soapbox racers from the principles of design, exposure to basic construction skills and good natured racing.
Over the last 40 years, by specifying the use of DERBY GOKIT® as the basis of construction of all soapboxes in the race, organizers are assured that participants are on a level playing field. By keeping the build of a basic soapbox inexpensive (under $100USD delivered*), more children can participate. Garry Rogers' granddaughter, Emily Rogers, has taken over the day-to-day operation of the family business following his passing in July of 2023. The company continues to operate, just outside of Winnipeg, as a family business.
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School, summer camp and corporate build events
DERBY GOKIT® has long been used for educational and corporate team building events. Gokit is a favourite of school and corporate team build events due to its low price point and ease of contruction. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based learning has been taught in conjunction with the build. With some preparation in advance, DERBY GOKIT® soapboxes can be constructed in the morning and be race ready in the afternoon. If builders follow the instructions included with Gokit, a successful result will be all but assured.
Let's race! (For both gravity races and slalom we have you covered).
There are many quasi-competitive races held in communities across the North America using DERBY GOKIT®. Using DERBY GOKIT® to standardize the race ensures that driver skill is the main deciding factor in the race. Standardization ensures a more intense and exciting race for all competitors and spectators.
Service groups, communities, schools, churches and charitable organizations are often the main event organizers of these races. As such, community and team building, inclusivity, fairness, equality, education and, of course, fun are the main drivers. Many of the races incorporate some level of advertising and fundraising to offset the costs of the organizing the race.
Service groups, communities, schools, churches and charitable organizations are often the main event organizers of these races. As such, community and team building, inclusivity, fairness, equality, education and, of course, fun are the main drivers. Many of the races incorporate some level of advertising and fundraising to offset the costs of the organizing the race.
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The basic DERBY*GOKIT® racer
The kit includes an automotive style steering mechanism, wheels, instructions, templates and all parts needed to build a basic racer, with the exception of a half sheet of 5/8" plywood, nails, screws and glue (purchased separately).
The basic racer is shown in the photo, with an upgraded steering wheel. In the basic racer, the steering wheel is made using a template provided in the kit out of the aforementioned 5/8" plywood.The kit is easy to build with common household tools (ie, hammer, wrench, screw driver, drill and jig saw).
What's included in the DERBY*GOKIT ®
DERBY GOKIT® includes: tie rods and connecting rods, steering shaft, guide and plate, crossmember and knuckles, wheels, bolts and brackets. DERBY GOKIT® also includes three brake mechanism designs but they require additional components (such as hinges and cables) available at your local hardware store and/or old tire tread (not steel belted). Each part of the DERBY GOKIT® is repairable, replaceable, reinforceable and/or adjustable.