Tackling the Michigan Hill:Eighth Annual Greater Los Angeles Soap Box Derby is June 2

Mark your calendar for June 2, when the Greater Los Angeles Soap Box Derby returns to La Cañada Flintridge.

This annual event will be held on “Michigan Hill”, the eastern-most portion of Foothill Boulevard, from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. This is the only day of the year where unlicensed drivers can speed down Michigan Hill, exceeding the speed limit with no worries about the sheriff’s deputies stopping them. There will also be an opportunity for licensed drivers to speed down the hill with impunity.

The race is a “licensed local” race sanctioned by the All American Soap Box Derby of Akron, Ohio. The race is open to kids 8-17 competing in the Stock, Super Stock and Masters divisions with the winner of each division representing Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern and San Luis Obispo counties in the 70th Annual All American Soap Box Derby National Championships in July in Akron, Ohio.

This annual event, sponsored by the La Cañada Kiwanis (noon) Club and the California Family Soap Box Derby Association, had become a featured event in Fiesta Day activities on Memorial Day weekend. However, this year it will be run on June 2, at the same location. In addition to the excitement of young kids racing at high speeds down Michigan Hill, there will be Adult “Celebrity Races” and Challenge Races. If you haven’t experienced the thrill of racing down Michigan Hill in one of the “adult” cars, this is your opportunity.

The scheduled “Celebrity Races” pits Shirley Hingst, president of the La Cañada AM Kiwanis Club against Diane Della Valle, president-elect of the La Cañada Kiwanis (noon) Club and Dave Spence, La Cañada Flintridge mayor against Don Voss, city council member.

Know anyone you would like to challenge to demonstrate your superior driving skills on a thrilling ride down the hill? “Challenge” races can be purchased for $100 per car. This is a good cause with the money going to Serve the Children of the World and of course a little publicity for the generous donors.

Any youngster that has not signed up for this race and would like to participate contact Mary Gant, 248-7664. Race cars kits are available from Kiwanian Jack Dawson 790-6592.

Car Building Clinics, to assist youngsters and parents, in assembling the cars, will be held in the rear parking lot at the Sports Chalet on Foothill Boulevard on May 12, and May 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help will be available from Kiwanian and California Family Soap Box Derby volunteers who will also answer any questions.

For additional information contact Derby Director Joel Smith at 790-6418.