Downhill Racers Rise to the Occasion: Soap Box Derby is Back

Underage drivers sped down a La Mesa street over the weekend, but there was no cause for alarm. Just applause.

Elementary through high-school-aged youngsters relished the beautiful weather  Saturday and Sunday as they gathered for the semiannual All-American Soap Box Derby sponsored by Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa on Junior High Drive—adjacent to La Mesa Middle School.

The children also race in November.

La Mesans Renee Beamon,  a freshman at Helix Charter High School; Denise Beamon, who attends La Mesa Middle School; and Aaliyah Gaston from La Mesa Dale Elementary School took part as well as Bryant Taylor of Santee.

Before Sunday's races, Dennis Wilkes, derby director and president of La Mesa Kiwanis, told the folks gathered that families working together is what it's all about. Indeed, parents were present to make last-minute adjustments on cars, take photos and lend moral support.

And Wilkes made sure no one was left out—accommodating several drivers who showed up without a vehicle but with a will to race. The competition got started a little late, but all kids were in the lineup, thanks to the director.

One of the favorietes to win, Sam Ferguson of Alpine, had his sights set on returning to the national competition in Akron, Ohio. Ferguson, who won three first-place trophies last weekend in Palm Desert, said the key to winning is "focusing and repeating a perfect drive."

To perfect his performances, he stays down in his car and along with his dad studies the rise and fall of the course and roughness of the surface.

A two-day event lets each youth race four times. The categories are Stock Car, ages 8 to 13; Super Stock, 10-17; and Masters, 10-17. Categories are based on weight, age and experience. Weight limit on car and driver for Stock is 200 pounds, Super Stock  230 and Masters 255.

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