DERBY GETS NEW COURSE IN VALENCIA 128 DRIVERS ARE SET FOR SOAP BOX RUN.

Byline: CAROL ROCK Staff Writer

VALENCIA -- Expect heavy traffic June 10 on Tournament Road when 128 drivers are expected to take to the streets.

Fortunately, the stretch of road between McBean Parkway and Golf View Drive will be closed and there will be plenty of cops on hand to keep drivers in line.

The third annual Soap Box Derby sponsored by the Santa Clarita sheriff's station for racers age 8 to 13 will be held in this new location, considered a little safer than previous runs in the Valencia Commerce Center. The road will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the race.

``The other route was too steep,'' said sheriff's Deputy Tim Ferrone, who coordinates the race. ``We didn't have a run-out at the end, and to be safe, we need to have an up-slope to slow the cars down. We scouted out the whole city; either there was too much traffic or not enough grade. This site is perfect.''

Participants will drive ``real regulation Soap Box Derby cars'' that were built by volunteers and deputies, Ferrone said.

``They're actual cars that the kids drive.''

No gas or motors are involved, as the cars are gravity-powered with rudimentary steering and brakes -- thus the need for a slope to give the cars some, but not too much, speed.

``It's fun when you go fast,'' said Ferrone's son, Shane, 11. ``It's best when you get faster.'' He will be racing along with his 9-year-old brother, Ryan, and 10-year-old sister Amanda.

A ceremonial ``captain's run'' will be part of the event, but deputies might want to ride the brakes a bit when the tall and slender station commander, Capt. Patti Minutello, pulls her derby car next to theirs.

``Hmmm. The heavier you are, the faster you go,'' mused Sgt. Gregg Lewison, pondering Ferrone's dilemma. After all, the captain should win her own race.

Registration for the annual event opens today, with forms available at the counter of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station. A maximum of 128 racers will be able to participat`e; forms and $25 race fees must be returned no later than June 7. Each racer will get a T-shirt and a trophy.

After helping out with a derby at the Lancaster sheriff's station, Ferrone thought it might be a good idea to do a similar event in Santa Clarita.

It was a hunch that paid off big time. With eight cars sponsored by local businesses and built by teams of volunteers and deputies, first-year sign-ups filled immediately. Ferrone expects available racing spots to go quickly.

The derby starts at 8:30 a.m. and flights of eight drivers will each get a nonelimination practice run before single-elimination races begin. The race concludes at 1:30 p.m.

The Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station is located at 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia.

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

[phone]

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

(color) Deputy Tim Ferrone and his son Shane look over one of the Soap Box Derby racers at the Newhall sheriff's station.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer