By KATIE SHAW
STAFF WRITER
HANSVILLE — For the third year in a row, John Ellsworth, aka Dr. Slime, will speed headfirst down Benchmark Avenue in Hansville at 30 mph, hoping to reclaim his winning title.
The annual Coaster Games in Hansville will take place on Aug. 23, starting at 2 p.m.
The Coaster Games started in 2010 when Chuck Strahm, aka Captain Coaster, tried to create an event to attract a younger crowd to the retirement community that is Hansville.
Though the attempt was moderately successful, the most enthusiasm for the Coaster Games comes from people like Ellsworth and Strahm who “just want to be 12 again,” Strahm said.
The Coaster Games has had no trouble attracting spectators; about 200-300 people show up every year, whether it’s to see the turnout of homemade cars, enter the raffle, which benefits the Hansville Community Center scholarship, or watch the growing rivalry between Captain Coaster and Dr. Slime.
“Ask Chuck [Strahm] to show you his trophies. He’ll come up with an empty box,” said Ellsworth, the two-time “King of the Hill” champion.
The “King of the Hill” is the fastest racer out of all four age brackets. There are also first-, second- and third-place winners in each bracket. Winners receive trophies and bragging rights.
“It’s all fun, friendly competition,” Strahm assured.
Strahm has built at least a dozen coaster cars, using spare parts from whatever he can find. The car he is currently working on uses two tires from an old wheelchair and one from a child’s bicycle.
“I’d like it if everyone in Kitsap knew that there’s a bunch of crazy people racing in Hansville,” Ellsworth said.
For help building a car, to borrow a car to race or for help with other questions, call Ellsworth at 779-5382, or email theslimedr@gmail.com.
Registration is on the day of the race, and costs $15, which buys the chance to race and a T-shirt. Rules for racing, age brackets and other information can be found at www.hansville.org.
The race’s consistent sponsors are Benchmark Automotive Tire & Service, The Grub Hut, Yank-A-Part Auto Wrecking, Nesbit Properties and Randy-Kan.
