This past weekend at Road America during the Cat Majors, not all the racing took place on the famed racetrack. For several years now, special “Cat Box” races have been held as a fun evening event on Saturdays for volunteers and families.
The Cat Box race series was started to further cement the air of comradery that has for many years existed at the Cat Majors. As the legend goes, impromptu "races" were once held during evening gatherings. There were rumors of wagons or support carts being raced down infield slopes in days of yore.
The Milwaukee Region usually incorporates a “theme” around the Cat Majors. A few years back, the theme was "Pajama Cat." Organizers recalled stories of bed races once held on the circuit’s front stretch, but found it difficult to get a bunch of beds out to the track. Instead, they opted for Cat Box competition where a “team” pulls an individual in a box around a straight-ish course.
What is a Cat Box racer? Well, these sleds are fashioned from large cardboard boxes and compete in one of two classes: BP (Be-Prepared) or FC (Formula Cat Box). The BP Class is mostly for show. The boxes, supplied this year by Uline, must be fancifully decorated. The “rules” for FC are a bit more complex. These boxes are limited to a minimum of 16” on all sides, with no limitation on maximum size. No more than three on-track people per team, but there’s no limit to the size of a “crew” involved in wrenching on the Cat Box.
For daring pilots riding in the sled, two feet must be in the box at all times. This can be a rider with both feet, or one foot from two individuals. Each Box must have a rope firmly attached, and in the event the rope becomes detached during the race, the participants must return to the “pits” and re-attach the rope. Boxes can only be made of cardboard, but non-cardboard materials can be used for decorations as long as they do not improve the sled’s “performance.” And finally, no wheels allowed!
The annual event has become the “cat’s meow” for many track regulars. The FC battles are a blast to watch with spills and contact. But rubbin’ is racin’, and it is all good fun for the cheering throngs watching trackside.
Who won this year’s race? The Stewards are still meeting on that one due to some findings in post-race tech. But there’s no doubt that lots of folks have fun every year at this brouhaha that is just another part of the wonderful SCCA lifestyle.
Photo: Cheryl Knippel suited up for the Cat Majors Cat Box race.
Credit: Marc Knippel
