The Trition Junkyard Derby

May 10, 2007

By Pat JaCoby

EVENT:                 The Triton Junkyard Derby at the University of California, San
                             Diego, during which students, staff and alumni test the laws of
                             physics and mechanics by assembling pieces of junk into box
                             cars for downhill races. Event takes place during the Sun God
                             Festival, UCSD’s largest annual student event.

DATE/TIME:         Friday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION:          Finish line in front of Geisel Library.                              Start is the top of Peterson
                             Hall hill.

BACKGROUND:    Based on the popular TV show, “Junkyard Wars” on The
                             Learning Channel, derby competitors have two days before the
                             race to collect pieces of junk and assemble these in building the
                             perfect boxcar…or anything capable of making it to the finish line.
                                     
                             In addition to junk donated by the San Diego and campus
                             communities, 1-800-GOT-JUNK has agreed to augment the junk                              donations and pick-up the debris for recycling and proper                              disposal at the end of the event. A total 30 teams are entered,                              with two teams racing simultaneously from the starting gate. No                              engines are allowed, but brakes are required. The mini-NASCAR                              route will be marked with hay bales and sponsor banners. The                              Triton Junkyard Derby is presented by the UCSD Alumni                              Association and Triton Engineering Student Council. For more                              information visit www.alumni.ucsd.edu/derby.

Media Contact:     Pat JaCoby, 858-534-7404