MOUNT VERNON — Do not be surprised if you see underage drivers going for speed on local roads in undersized cars next month.

The city’s third annual Soap Box Derby is scheduled for May 16-17, and local kids ages 8 to 17 can still sign up.

There will be two divisions: stock (ages 8-13) and super stock (ages 10-17).

So far just two people have registered, according to Tara Small of the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreations Department, but those racers are fast.

Sisters Ariel, 14, and Paige Gear, 12, are signed up in the super stock and stock divisions, respectively.

Ariel Gear won the city’s first race in 2007, Small said, and her sister took second in 2008.

The pair also took the top spots in the stock and super stock divisions last fall in the city’s fall race, which is open to racers from around the region.

May’s race is open to locals, said Small, including those who live outside the city. Each division winner will earn a spot at the All-American Soap Box Derby on July 25 in Akron, Ohio.

Car kits cost about $600, so Small encourages prospective racers to look for sponsorships from local businesses or organizations. Kids ages 10 to 17 can also enter a raffle at Summit Bank in Burlington for a chance to race a super stock car in the race.

Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 360-336-6215 for more information. Racers must register by and attend a clinic on April 18.