Maryhill Festival of Speed Race Update

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Over 200 of the world’s fastest downhill skateboarders and street lugers from all over the world are at the 2.2 mile, 22 corner historic Maryhill Loops Road for the 9th Annual 2015 Maryhill Festival of Speed. After two days of practicing the hill, racers took qualifying runs for the IDF World Cup race on Friday, the hottest day yet. Check out some of my photos from the practice and qualifying days.

On the third day, the temperature rose to 41 C (108 F) and the pavement itself was at a scorching 69 C (156 F). When not riding, hydration and shade was key to staying alive outside in the leather suits.

In street luge, Spaniard Mikel Echegary Diez broke the three minute mark with a 2:57.821. He also dominated Classic Luge, setting the fastest time at 3:06.962.

In the Junior’s class, Canadian Alex Charleson pulled off the fastest time with a 3:06.065.

Leading the Women’s class was American Emily Pross with a time of 3:14.226, narrowly leading Brazilian Melissa Brogni Da Luz with a 3:14.714.

The open class was led most of the day by Brazilian Carlos Paixão with 3:03.787, until Canadian Kevin Reimer shaved three seconds off his previous best time and posted a new track record at 3:03.618.

Carlos Paixão was the second fastest qualifier.

The third fastest time was posted by California native Jimmy Riha with 3:03.950, just in front of fellow Californian Key Dougherty with 03:03.982.

The last run of the day was given to pro surfer Derek Rabalo who is blind. Surprising and inspiring many, he rode down the hill with a friend holding his hand to guide him the whole way down. They made it down the hill, crashing only once. It was Derek’s first run down Maryhill ever and it was epic to see.

To see the qualifying times, go to the IDF Racing website

To see the daily updates with photos from Matt K, Don Sheffler, and Jon Huey, go to: http://www.maryhillfestivalofspeed.com/2015-maryhill-festival-of-speed-official-event-schedules/#sthash.kIfp6OZk.dpuf

http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/

http://www.maryhillfestivalofspeed.com/

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