Posted by: thepinetree on 09/13/2009 10:49 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 09/14/2009 05:42 AM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
:
The Soap Boxes Were Flying In Bear Valley ~ By John Hamilton Video Enclosed
Bear Valley, CA...The 2nd Annual Bear Valley Soap Box Derby rolled into action last weekend as hundreds of derby'ers climbed into their sleds and raced down the streets of Bear Valley. When speaking with Joel Barnett one of the organizers he seemed pleased that they outpaced last year's event even with the soft economy. At mid-afternoon they already had over 170 signed up the annual post race dinner. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Bear Valley Parents Club and the proceeds help fund youth activities in the Bear Valley Area...
The first great shots in the above slide show are from West World Images. The balance of the photos are from ThePineTree.net's lowly staff photographer
Click to Visit West World Images!
This year the course was shortened up for an improved spectator experience and a very impressive starting ramp was built to get the cars up to speed in a jiffy. The drivers loaded into their cars and the side by side starters made sure that each start was a fair one. The cars then zipped silently down the course with the spectators cheering them on.
The day started off with the youth division and all of the cars were sporting their brightly painted aerodynamic bodies. Local businesses and groups sponsored the cars and they were sporting livery that would make a Formula One car proud.
In the afternoon's Adult Division the cars were stripped topless so that the adults could fit their more ample proportions into the cars and take their turns flying down the course.
The afternoon featured grudge matches, husband and wife duels, battle of the BV moms and more. One race we followed down the track even had some NASCAR style bumping that sent Jerry Nelson onto victory and sent his competitor into the weeds.
This year in the paddock area they added rock climbing walls, arcade games, raffles, rummage sales, food booths and more. So mark your calendars for the first weekend in September and get your sleds ready or rent one of theirs for race weekend.
We would also like to thank Mark Silverstone from West World images for the additional images of the event.
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