The 39th annual Orange Crate Derby, organized by the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club, takes place Aug. 17-18 at the west end of Rancho Del Rey Parkway in Chula Vista.
The derby is for youths ages 7–14 and adults. There are adult-size cars available.
The kids get trophies and participation medals.
Participating adults will have to come up with their own prizes, joked one event organizer.
“Husbands can challenge their wives for prizes like backrubs, a manicure and dinner,” said Orange Crate Derby committee member Debbie Lechner.
Before the races are held, dates for registration for an early bird rate of $25 are good until the end of the month, with rates going up in August to $30.
On Aug. 3 a tune-up clinic will be held at the South Bay YMCA Teen Center in Chula Vista for all older cars.
Practice runs will be held Aug. 17 with the heats held on Aug. 18. Parent meetings are on Aug. 10 and 12 at Chula Vista Elementary School.
“We have people from all over – Rancho Bernardo, San Diego and South Bay, “said Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club member Trish Rogers.
The money raised from the event is used to fund next year’s event.
“We have two adult cars and people can rent them for $10 a run,” said Lechner. “They can also race against their kids.”
“We started when my son was 7. We have two daughters and they all raced until 14; 2004 was our first year,” said Lechner.
Her husband is one of thehelpers at the tune-up clinic.
“My husband Bob loves to build these cars. He helps build other people’s cars,” she said.
The event starts early on the weekend of Aug. 17 at 7:30 a.m. and has a short opening ceremony.
“We often have elected officials show up at the event,” Lechner said.
For information on how to construct a car and more visit: www.orangecratederby.com.
