Annual derby offers more than cars
Rev your engines, Clayton. The 12th annual Clayton Community Church Labor Day Derby and Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 5. But besides the exciting races, the derby will also feature an opportunity for residents to help needy children in Africa and Syria race to finish line in school, too.
All derby and car show participants are invited to join in the World Vision “Promise Pack” Drive, providing needed backpacks filled with school supplies, basic hygiene items and insect-repelling blankets for impoverished children in Africa and Syria.
“Around the world, millions of children are unable to attend school simply because their families are too poor to provide the basic school supplies they need,” says Shawn Robinson of the Clayton Community Church. “These children, particularly girls, are at greater risk for exploitation and a life defined by crushing poverty. In the same way, lack of access to the most basic hygiene supplies, and the risk of insect-borne illnesses like malaria can rob a child of their health, happiness and a hope for the future.”
Robinson says they hope to provide at least 1,000 backpacks for children in need. Derby-goers can stop by the Promise Pack booth and for $22, help assemble a pack.
They should expect a good turnout, as the free derby and car show is one of the more popular events in Clayton, taking place on Main Street and surrounding streets.
There will be a “soap-box-like derby” for the children, ages 7 to 14. No driving experience is necessary. The racing cars will be provided as well as some quick drivers’ training. The course is a straight shot down Main Street, down a seven-foot ramp at the clock at Marsh Creek Road, ending at the finish line right in front of the church’s office at Diablo Street. Each racer will run twice, with the average of the two determining their overall time.
Free tee-shirts will be given to all who compete, with trophies awarded to the winning racers in each of the three age categories. More than 30 derby cars are sponsored by local merchants. Racers must pre-register online to at www.claytoncc.com.
At the same time, a Classic Car Show will be held at the other end of Main Street. There will be more than 270 classic, restored, muscle, Hot Rods and even a few police cars on display.
A Trophy Parade will be held at about 2 pm with trophies awarded to the Best Cars in 21 judging categories. If you are interested in entering your car, visit the website www.claytonderbycarshow.org to pre-register.
In the past 12 years, more than 2,700 kids from ages 7-14 have raced down Main Street in the derby, and more than 3,600 classic cars have been displayed by their owners for the public to enjoy. The event has drawn more than 20,000 people in its history.
“Thanks to the generosity of local business who have sponsored derby cars, hundreds of church volunteers and other resources from Clayton Community Church, this has truly become a Clayton tradition and wonderful celebration of community,” Robinson says.