We all have known someone who has been in a “Soap Box Derby” or helped to build a Soap Box car. It has been around in the United States forever. Well, April 14th, Puerto Peñasco Mexico will hold it’s 3rd Annual Charanga Derby. The proceeds from the event will go to the Jose Davalos Casa Hogar, which the home for the elderly here in Rocky Point.
The event will start on top of the hill on Calle Campeche which is the road that leads to the Mirador area. There will be a mini car show starting at 2:00 p.m. The presentation of the teams will be at 4:00 p.m. The first of the dare devils will take off down the hill at 4:30p.m. and the event ends at 5:30. From the videos I have seen, this is quite a trick to come down the hill and then have to hit a “speed ramp” in order to come to a stop.
Teams consist of 6 people including the pilot and if you have a 2 seater a co-pilot. Team members push the car to the start line and then push it so it goes down hill being gravity fed. The team members must run behind the car to make certain it crosses the finish line which is a ramp or in the event it tips over, get it up and going again. Once over the ramp the car begins to slow down. The cars can built of anything but other than wheels they can have no motor nor pedals. It must have a steering wheel but brakes are optional. There are several safety factors for the pilots as well as the spectators. The pilots must wear full helmets that meet DOT motorcycle laws, no flip flops or sandals and long pants. The spectators are protected by straw bales all the way down the hill on both sides of the street.
Winners will be awarded gift certificates which are provided by the sponsors for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the fastest cars. There will also be a an award for the most creative car. All you need is to come on down and be prepared to be entertained. There will be food and beverages on site. Hope you enjoy the photos and videos from last year’s event. Video courtesy of Richard Scott and photos courtesy of Santiago Ruis and Tony Ballesteros.
You must sign up before April 11that the RP360 office and the cost for entering your soap box car and your team is $600 pesos or about $33.00 USD. The event is open to all people 15 years and older.
Come out and join the fun while enjoying the beautiful weather in Puerto Peñasco and the stunning Sea of Cortez views. Remember Rocky Point is only a 4 hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson.
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