BUILDING CARS AND RELATIONSHIPS RACE BRINGS KIDS, PARENTS EVEN CLOSER.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

CASTAIC - They used a kit purchased over the Internet, scrap lumber and metal found in garages, but the soap box derby car builders created more than just racers, they made human bonds.

On Sunday, fathers and their children put their newly made creations to fast work as part of the fourth annual Soap Box Derby, racing down the local streets and celebrating family success.

``This event is designed around fostering the relationship between parent and child,'' said Kris Kelso, Youth and Family Program director with the YMCA, which organizes the event. ``It's perfect for what we want to do - kids and parents doing something together.''

For the past four years, the YMCA has sponsored the event and worked with the parent volunteers and their children to hold the races in the Castaic Industrial Center, where The Newhall Land and Farming Company donated the land that serves as the downhill raceway.

``I was nervous at first, but it got easier,'' said Cody Parks, 11, who placed first in one of the initial time trials. ``I started to spin out but I straightened out as I crossed the finish line.''

``It gives you an experience of actually driving,'' added Paul Calvillo, 10, of Saugus. ``It's really fun.''

For about two weeks to a month before the race, each club team purchases a car kit that provides steering, brakes and wheels, and then parents and children work to design their own derby cars.

``You can see the creativity in everyone,'' said Kelso. ``It's not just Mom or Dad dictating, it's everyone working together. You're not only building a car, you're building a relationship.''

The cars ranged from little short flatbed boxes to enclosed racers. Some had tall handles, others used detachable push poles. While one child drives the car down the 50-yard course, others will push it and cheer their racer on.

``It's extremely rewarding on both sides,'' said father Russell Case, 43. ``Both parents and kids have a hoot and they learn different skills.''

Ten-year-old Brittany, of Burbank participated in the races as her father, Shannon McGinley, 35, checked the time.

``It's the first time we've done this,'' said McGinley. ``This is great because it provides more hands-on.''

The McGinleys, along with other team members, got together at a member's house last weekend to work on their car and enjoyed a barbecue.

``It's about them not us,'' McGinley added. ``You get their input and do some of the hard stuff and let them do the easy stuff. It's a great time together.''

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Soapbox derby racers are helped across the starting line Sunday in Castaic as part of the YMCA sponsored event.

(2 -- color) Racers speed down the hill at the Castaic Industrial Park in the soap box derby event held on Sunday.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News