CARSTAR Canada, a leading provider of premier collision repairs, took the green flag at the 2024 Red Bull Soapbox Race in Edmonton, Alberta in the CF Stinks Cruiser manned by the Skunk Speedsters crew.

The race, held on June 22 at Queen Elizabeth Park Rd., featured dozens of creatively-uniformed teams in their hand-crafted, eye-catching derby cars all competing for bragging rights and the highly-coveted People’s Choice Award.

Johnny Kloeckes, owner of six Edmonton-area CARSTAR locations, served as the crew chief for this exciting event. A champion of community initiatives and fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, he took his support to the next level through the Red Bill Soapbox Race. 

“CARSTAR is more than just a collision repair company; we’re passionate advocates for our community and causes close to our hearts,” said Kloeckes. “Our dedication to fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Canada spans over 25 years. It began from a personal connection when one of our owner’s granddaughters was diagnosed with the disease. We didn’t just build a soapbox car; we’re driving change and raising awareness for a cause that impacts millions of lives. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, you’re not only supporting a team with a unique vision but also contributing to a meaningful cause that’s making a difference in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.”

Kloeckes and the Skunk Speedsters came ready to race to victory and eliminate the stink of Cystic Fibrosis once and for all.

“With our skunk-themed soapbox car, we brought a fresh approach to the competition while raising awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis Canada,” noted Kloeckes. “With our bold design and powerful message, our soapbox car left a lasting impact on the track and in the hearts of all who support CF. Together, let’s drive change, raise awareness, and support the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.”

“CARSTAR has been an incredible partner for Cystic Fibrosis Canada and that commitment continued at the Red Bull Canada’s Soapbox Derby in Edmonton,” said Phoebe Dey, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “It was great to cheer on the Skunk Speedsters from the CARSTAR Johnny K group—they were a fan and judge favourite—and they inspired people to learn more about cystic fibrosis and raised money for the cause. We’re very grateful for the CARSTAR team and the community who came out to support them.”

The race had over 30,000 spectators, two of them being Dave and Candice Cooper from CARSTAR Onoway coming out to support!

The CARSTAR team is selling t-shirts leading from the event and accepting donations for the cause, linked here: https://changemakers.crowdchange.ca/76501/team/35710. By supporting the CF stinks vehicle, you’re helping to change the lives of the thousands impacted by cystic fibrosis.