Kids turn out for chance to drag race

The Boerne City Hall parking lot became a racetrack for miniature motorists during the July 15 Kidz Powerwheels Drag Race.

The race, the first of its kind sponsored by the city Parks and Recreation Department, required drivers to be 3-10 years old, have helmets, and own a 12.0 battery-powered vehicle.

Eric Alarcon, recreation coordinator, said Parks and Rec plans on repeating and expanding Kidz Powerwheels for next year.

Before the races began, Boerne Police Officer Christopher Dingman gave the young drivers a short safety lesson, reminded them to keep their helmets on, and showed them his radar gun.

“Be here, have fun. Now let’s get this thing going,” Dingman said.

Rex the Raccoon, Dingman and Alarcon acted as grand marshals throughout the racing events. They dropped bright green flags to signal the start of the races and waved checkered flags to signal winners.

The parking lot was divided into two tracks: the Talladega tournament track for ages 3-4, and the Daytona tournament track for ages 5-6.

Alarcon said Kidz Powerwheels also had 7-8 and 9-10 age divisions, but no one had signed up for the 7-8 group and only one driver signed up for the oldest group.

Because he was the only racer in his group, Tristan Alsvig, 9, was allowed to speed through the length of the track on his own. Alsvig’s 3-year-old brother Jameson Kamp also raced.

Jameson’s mother Samantha Kamp said Jameson has autism spectrum disorder. His father, Christopher Kamp, controlled Jameson’s race car via remote control. Jameson took fourth place in the Talladega tournament.

During the closing ceremony, Parks and Rec Recreation Supervisor Rudy Vega told participants and their parents that next year’s race would “be “little bigger and a little better.”

“We hope you guys return,” Vega said.

Enzo Carnes, 5, won the Daytona tournament and Audrina D’Angelo, 3, won the Talladega tournament. They received shiny gold medals and trophies for their victories. All participants received certificates to Raising Cane’s.

Audrina’s mom, Elizabeth D’Angelo, said she signed her daughter up for the drag race because it looked like a good community activity.

“If she wants to do it, I would definitely sign her up again,” D’Angelo said.