Rally race brings more than trophies to the track
By ADAM STEWART Staff Reporter
Newcomer driver Jacob De la Cruz and his father, Jose, study a line down Lincoln Hill during the soap box derby rally competition Sunday. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS
The first ever Stanwood- Camano Soap Box Derby rally race took place over the weekend with more than 30 competitors driving toward the finish line.
Unlike the one-day event held in June, drivers from around the Northwest compete in a double-elimination rally over two days earning points that are accumulated throughout the season.
The top three drivers with a minimum of 150 points from the region are eligible to compete on the national scene in Akron, Ohio.
But, the event isn’t only about the fastest cars and their drivers, said Mike Boyle, technical director and safety coordinator for the event.
“It’s a real family event,” said Boyle. “The kids are fierce competitors during the race, but they’re friends at the finish line.”
The camaraderie is contagious.
Racing enthusiasts and parents volunteer to run the event, make sure the cars are rolling strong and even donate equipment to get more kids involved.
Newcomers are welcome to race side by side with seasoned vets.
“It helps get people hooked,” said Christie Connors, executive director of the Stanwood-Camano Resources Foundation.
People like Stanwood resident Jose De la Cruz and his son, Jacob.
Jacob was able to join the rally in a donated car.
“He’s loving it,” said his father. “People get along, win or lose. It’s very enjoyable.”
In addition to the stock and super stock divisions, the rally race saw veteran drivers with two or more years of racing experience hop into master division cars.
Sleek, long and fast, the cars require drivers to fully submerge themselves inside the body of the vehicle.
Drivers peer through a narrow gap below their helmet and the top of the car, said Boyle.
Rally racers in the region compete in Stanwood, Mount Vernon, Silverdale and Salem, Ore.
Staff Reporter Adam
Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115
or astewart@scnews.com.
