Special needs youths will take over Southeast Barrington Drive and speed for a good cause on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The North Whidbey Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its 31st annual Challenge Series, a fundraising event where children and teens with special needs drive a miniature race car powered by gravity.

The event will raise money to help pay for sensory toys, home health devices and programs for special needs kids from the island.

Last year, the club was able to raise over $4,000, which helped more than 10 families.

Sometimes, according to club member Lyn Whitley, the funds can help buy a videogame, cover college housing costs or buy tools to get and start a job — like a lawn mower.

“Not all of the needs are met by traditional financial means. Not all of the needs are covered by insurance,” she said. “There are some things that will really help the child enjoy life and experience life to the fullest that we can help provide.”

As Whitley explained, the 7-foot-long cars are made of plywood and fiberglass and will seat two passengers, including a youth trained to operate the vehicle safely. Between 10 a.m. and noon, families and visitors can watch the pilots as they roll down a segment that goes between Island Thrift and the post office.

The event will include snacks, a bounce house, a clown, the Oak Harbor High School Cheering Squad and the Oak Harbor Police Department’s radar speed sign, according to Challenge Series Coordinator Janis Powell.

Every team is a winner in this race, and everyone gets a medal.

Powell said it’s a fun opportunity for kids with special needs to make new friends.

“There’s nothing like seeing those kids have the opportunity to do the stuff that other kids take for granted,” she said.