Yaiza welcomed its first soapbox race on Sunday, as 11 homemade vehicles raced through the town centre in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The 500-metre course featured two straight sections, two chicanes, a ramp and a challenging bend. Its fastest stretch ran between La Alameda and Los Remedios squares.

The handmade vehicles had no engines and relied entirely on gravity and momentum. Their unusual designs, combined with the speeds reached along the main straight, provided plenty of entertainment for spectators of all ages.

Each team completed two timed runs, with the final results based on both speed and vehicle design. Omar Perdomo took first place in a cart styled as a lorry, followed by David Rodríguez and Iván Medina, while Gustavo Torres finished third in a palm tree-inspired vehicle.

The event formed part of Yaiza’s annual patron saint celebrations. Organisers said the positive response from participants and spectators could see the race return in future years.

Mayor Óscar Noda and festivities councillor Daniel Medina thanked the organisers and competitors for creating a day filled with imagination and fun. Celebrations continued afterwards with live music and refreshments in the town square.