Montreal soapbox car derby puts icons on wheels

Orange cones returned to Saint-Denis Street on Saturday, but these ones had traffic stopped for a different reason.

The traffic cone-inspired soapbox cars were featured in araceorganized as part of Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations.

They went bumper to bumper with others based onmainstays of Quebec culture such aspoutine, lumberjacks,the Montreal Canadiens, and Mexican beach holidays.

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Build things, have fun

Soapbox car races are themselves a big part of Quebec cultureandPatrice Jacques and his team jumped at the opportunity to participate.

The theatre and cinema props building teacher at John Abbott College said he and his teammates put more than 500 hours into their car a miniature replica of the legendary Spitfire fighter plane from World World Two.

They even made sure the plane's interior was as authentic as possible, except for the eyes on the windscreen.

"We were kind of goofing around, it was late. We drew some eyes on it, just for the giggles, and said 'you know what...this was a good idea,'"Jacques said.

That spirit was key, said driver Jean-Philippe Morin.

"It's mainly about having fun with friends," he said.

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Les Spitfires YUL375 placed third in the "Ludique" category, behind La Pout-Pout Poutine and Playa Del Racing's winninglounge chair on wheels.