Harris County will be the new hot spot for soapbox derby racing, Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack said Tuesday at a meeting of the county commissioners. He was responded to questions about a planned soapbox derby park in his district.

When Radack talks about the new park, he gets excited (video below); he encouraged all the commissioners to visit the park once it opens. The park will be of benefit to children and senior citizens alike, he said.

"For some of the seniors that have lost their right to drive, they'll be able to have the right to drive again," Radack said. "And they won't have to worry abt red-light cameras."

The Houston Chronicle highlighted Radack's plans last week:

Radack's crew is putting the finishing touches on a $2.3 million soapbox derby park. The first races are scheduled for next month. The competition will be an early test of how well the hill generates the 30 to 35 mph speeds of the sport.

It also will be the first test of whether the track has a chance to become a national racing hub or a multimillion dollar curiosity lampooned as Radack's Folly — or maybe both.

We shall see.

blogHouston has weighed in here: