MakerSpace at Peek'n Peak Soapbox Derby Competition

The Gannon University MakerSpace team built a custom car for the Peek’n Peak Soapbox Derby 2025 held on October 18.

The annual event at Peek’n Peak Resort brought together creative minds for a friendly competition focused on both speed and design. Teams were challenged to build cars that balanced style, safety, and performance while keeping the total weight under 175 pounds.

The MakerSpace team designed and built their car entirely in-house, combining engineering skill, teamwork, and creativity to create a vehicle that was both functional and eye-catching. Elements of the car were done using 3D printing technology in our the MakerSpace's advanced additive manufacturing lab as well as other elements that were machined and finished with state of the art equipment. The project showcased the kind of hands-on work and collaboration that defines the MakerSpace community, where ideas move from sketches to real, working prototypes.

Projects like the Soapbox Derby highlight the MakerSpace’s role in promoting innovation and practical design within the Erie community. It was not just about racing but about learning, building, and celebrating creativity together.

Soap Box Derby in action