Sonic holds third annual Skate-Off

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ORLANDO, Fla., July 1 (UPI) -- More than 40 Sonic Drive-In carhops showed up to participate in the restaurant's third annual Sonic Skate-Off regional competition in Florida, officials said.

The carhops -- servers on roller skates who bring your food to your car -- were put through a series of tests Saturday in the Sonic Drive-In parking lot on International Drive, including a mock delivery, an interview and a freestyle event, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Of the carhops from the 3,500 Sonic restaurants nationwide, only six will be chosen to compete in the finals, set to be held in Dallas in August.

Sonic has been employing carhops since its first location was opened in Oklahoma in the 1950s.

"Carhops are nostalgic," said John Salama, the company's vice president of training. "Our skaters are truly the treasure of Sonic. … It's something you can't get anywhere else."

Evelyn Mejia, a 17-year-old from Summerfield, said she was confidant in her performance.

Mejia said she saw previous competitions on YouTube and decided to try out.

"I think I did awesome," Mejia said. "I was nervous at first, but after a while I loosened up a little bit and I got the hang of it."

Participants in the Skate-Off are judged on their technique, personality and wow factor. Each carhop is videotaped during their performance and the results will be announced at a later date.