Johnny Miskill Joins the Clearlake Soapbox Derby as Official Flagger

A staple at race tracks across Northern California, Johnny Miskill is one of the top auto sport flaggers in the United States. Few command the track like this Clearlake native. From Bombers to Boat Races, Miskill has an incredible amount of experience that he will bring to the Clearlake Soapbox Derby on September 21.

“This is about the kids,” said Miskill. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing children engaged at the track, and this is even more exciting because they get to build the cars from scratch and sit behind the wheel.”

While speeds won’t match those at Lakeport Speedway, that doesn’t matter to Miskill. His focus will be on safety, fair finishes and teaching the next generation of flaggers the ropes.

There is still time to register for the Clearlake Soapbox Derby. There are age groups for everyone and cars are simple to make!

Art Division Judges and Sponsors Announced for the Inaugural Clearlake Soap Box Derby

The City of Clearlake and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the Inaugural Soap Box Derby is set for Saturday September 21, 2019. With only a few weeks remaining until race day, its important to register and start soon or miss out on the glory of the Winner’s Circle!

This inaugural event will be held on the newly constructed Dam Road Extension with four race categories. The 1st race will be for the Little Turtles (ages 7-12), followed by the Turbo Teens (ages 13-17), and culminating with the Awesome Adults (ages 18 and up). The final category will be for the Art Division, where racers will be judged on creativity rather than speed on the course. Depending on the number of racers, each division will start with timed qualifying races, and finishing with a final heat for all the glory between the top cars with the best times. All race cars will be inspected after check-in and before they are cleared to race.

Local celebrities and dignitaries, Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, Clearlake, Police Chief Andrew White, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce President Denise Loustalot, and Clearlake Mayor Russ Cremer will be judging the Art Division champions.

The event is free for spectators. Bring your chair and take a seat along the course or near the finish line. Food and novelty vendors will be located near the finish line at Konocti Education Center.

Current event sponsors include: DM Compassion Center, Hillside Honda, Matt Mazzei Chevrolet, Foods Etc., Lakeside Herbal, Rotary Club of Clearlake, Community First Credit Union, Dale and Karen Valentine, Flowers by Jackie, Enterprise Towing, DM Compassion and Konocti Unified School District. Race Director

Tina Viramontes exclaimed, “We are thrilled to bring the community this new event. I have been pleased with how excited kids of all ages have been to participate in the Inaugural Derby and look forward to the friendly rivalries play out on the track!”

Tina Viramontes Named Race Director for 2019

The Clearlake Soap Box Derby Race Committee today announced Tina Viramontes will serve as Race Director for the September 21st event. Viramontes is the Facilities Coordinator and Deputy City Clerk for the City of Clearlake. She was instrumental in bringing the event to the city, and is expected to be the top official on the ground during race day.