Big Day at the Races for Racers, Fans at Soap Box Derby

From left: William Kries, first place in Limo Division; Nathan Seward, second place in Limo Division; Jared Schnake, second place in Training Wheels Division; Illissa Baldonado, first place in Training Wheels Division. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

People of all ages got a taste of good old-fashioned fun during the fourth annual Menifee Soap Box Derby on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Families lined the east side of Menifee Road on the hill between Craig Avenue and Holland Road to watch youngsters -- and a couple oldsters -- race their homemade cars down the hill for fun and trophies. It's an event you don't often see except on TV or in theaters, but the folks of Menifee are learning what a fun family experience it can be.

Drivers competed in two divisions -- Limo and Training Wheels -- in a double elimination format, running in pairs down the hill to the cheers of the fans. Most of them had been working on their cars for months, helped by clinics put on by Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District, which co-hosted the event with the City of Menifee.

William Kries took first place in the Limo Division, battling back through the loser's bracket after being defeated in the first race. According to race director Joe Schnake, William had problems with a loose steering wheel early. But after some adjustments, he advanced to the final round of the division against Nathan Seward, who hadn't lost on the day.

William defeated Nathan by inches, forcing up a rematch for the championship. William won another close one in that round to take the first-place trophy.

In the Training Wheels Division, Illisa Baldonado beat Jared Schnake in the finals to take the big trophy.

Trophies were also awarded for best car design and best car theme.

Soap Box Derby racers are customized by the owners in a variety of styles and colors.

Parker Pawlowski did a nice job on the race track and also won "Best Design" in the Training Wheels Division.

Illissa Baldonado (left lane) crosses the finish line ahead of Jared Schnake to win the Training Wheels Division.

Illissa Baldonado celebrates a championship in her division.

Race director Joe Schnake of Valley-Wide addresses the crowd after the racing.

William Kries narrowly beat Nathan Seward in this race, then came back to beat him again for the Limo title.