2007 SECOND ANNUAL GUAM SOAP BOX DERBY

The Second Annual Guam Soap Box Derby was held on June 23, 2007 at the 76 Circle K Drag Strip in Yigo. With more than 40 young drivers and 42 races scheduled, "Airmen of Andersen Air Force Base" team driver Jared Cornell prevailed through rain and shine from a final-four showdown to take the checkered flag. On the heels of the win, Cornell has earned a trip to the 2007 All American Soap Box Derby Championship at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio, on July 21, 2007. The 2007 Guam Soap Box Derby had a good turnout and was generously supported by Guam corporate businesses and Air Force airmen gave to this event that benefited the Big Brothers and Sisters Foundation of Guam through donations made by entrance fees to the race.

Soap box racing officially began in Dayton, Ohio, in 1934. After the demand for and popularity of the sport increased, the races were permanently moved in 1936 to Derby Downs where the annual national races take place in July of each year. Drivers are between the ages of 10 and 17 years old and are required to build their own soap box cars. The goal is for the youths to learn basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and perseverance to continue a project once it has begun.





Today's the big day for Guam Soap Box Derby.



... ain't my kid ... the one by my side.



ARIS AND TRANSFOR-MERS OR WHAT!!!


WHO LET THE DOGS OUT !!!

Everyone ready to start the race?



Checking out the starting area.



Checking out the contestants.



Can't you read it's Restricted Area!!



Sorry for kids only!!

Race is about to begin.

On your marks!!

Get set!!!

Go!! Go!! Go!!

Congratula-tions to the Winners!!

See you in next year's race !!!

GUAM JUNGLE RIVER CRUISE

The Guam Jungle River Cruise begins in Inarajan where you board a boat going upstream the Talofofo River and into the Red or Ugum River. Participants are treated to a jungle tour via the river route where the tour guide describes the rich wildlife of plants and animals that can be found in the jungles and rivers of Guam. A brief story is also told about how the Japanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi was able to survive for 28 years after WWII in Guam's jungles by trapping and feeding on animals, plants, fruits and fishes. The tour ends with a short hike thru a latte stone field into a local hut where the guide demonstrates how primitive Chamorros built fire from sticks and a local crafts demo on weaving of baskets, bags, fans and hats using coconut palm leaves. The whole tour takes one and a half hours for a local rate of $25.

GUAM HAMAMOTO TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD

The Hamamoto Tropical Fruit World in Talofofo Guam. For a local rate of $12 you go on a 45 minute tractor-pulled tram tour through a forest exhibiting various specifies of tropical fruits and plants found all over the island of Guam. At the end of the tour participants can opt to buy souvenir items from the nature store, or to partake of either a fruit buffet or barbecue lunch buffet at $12 pax each.