Massena Soapbox Derby Champions in Akron, Ohio
July 21-26, 2003
The Massena All-American Soapbox Derby Local Champions, Stock division Hunter Prentice, Super Stock Joshua Tremblay, Master's Jessica Wilson and District 8 Master's Rally representative Christy Boelter returned home Sunday, July 27th after a after a busy week of rain, trial runs, inspections and racing in Akron, Ohio. Racers competing in the All-American world championships Saturday, July 26th came from 43 states and the District of Columbia. The only states absent from the field were Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Six competitors joined the event representing New Zealand, Japan, and Germany.
The week began with the traditional welcome of champions. Each racer receives a police escort and chauffeured ride to the receiving area where they are greeted with a band playing and a crowd of people cheering their arrival. Champs are led to a stage where they are individually introduced to the crowd and at that time toss out souvenirs from their hometown and sponsors to the crowd. This year rain and thunder tried to cancel the festivities but the excitement of the racers could not be dampened that easily.
Monday also marked the day that Stock Champ Hunter Prentice and Master Division Champ Jessica Wilson received VIP status for the construction of their cars. The All-American Soapbox Derby organization issues specific standards for the participants when they build the car and receiving VIP recognition is an award every racer strives for. Tuesday had all the racers arriving in shifts for weigh in, pictures at the top of the racetrack and brake tests. Each division of racers has predetermined combined weight limits for the driver and car. Because the racer gathers speed by gravity, utilizing all the weight allowed is of utmost importance.
Wednesday again had all the racers arriving in shifts for the all-important trial run. Master's and Rally Champs were the first to arrive at 7:00am. As a VIP Jessica Wilson was one of the first down the newly paved track, gliding smoothly into the braking area. Unfortunately Christy Boelter didn't fair as well. She and Caitlin Mulkern of Arkansas collided after Caitlin's loose steering caused her to drift into Christy's lane, forcing Christy and her car into the guardrail. Both racers walked away with a few bruises, but their cars didn't fare quite as well. Christy, 13, had to replace the front axle on her light pink car and then go through the alignment process again. It was in its second hour of repair by lunchtime. Caitin's car needed the steering to be reset. Both racers took advantage of the repair time to get to know one another, discuss the mishap and support each other as they prepared for another run down the hill. Christy told the reporter from the Akron Beacon Journal that the accident scared her, but also helped her get past her nerves. "Now I feel loose,'' she said. "I am still kind of shaking, but I don't care. This is my last year racing and I am just going to go out there and do my best.''
SuperStock racer Josh Tremblay also took advantage of the hill for a smooth trial run. VIP Hunter Prentice was in line and prepared for his turn when yet another rain and thunderstorm postponed the afternoon session to the following morning. It was bright and clear when Hunter finally got his turn to take on the hill.
Friday night brought the racers back to topside for the traditional open house. All 432 cars were on display and special awards were announced for each of the three divisions: the construction award for racer craftsmanship, originality of racer design and also the Chairman's Award which recognizes an individual competitors enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Touring the rows of cars Christy Boelter was shocked to see the Chairman's Award Flag next to her car. Her first reaction was to ask District 8 official Mark Scudari of Rochester if the marker was in the wrong place. After being assured the award was for her she proclaimed "this is amazing, I can't even ask for anything else good to happen to me."
Race day finally came on Saturday, unfortunately for Hunter, Jessica and Christy it came VERY early when a fire alarm was set off in their hotel at 3:10am and they were forced outdoors to enjoy the nightlife of Akron in the parking lot while the fire department responded and reset the alarm. Opening festivities racing began much later that morning. Highlights of the day for Massena Racers include Joshua Tremblay's performance racing in the 4th fastest heat of day in the superstock division.
Saturday's racing concluded with Christy Boelter being awarded the 3rd place World Rally Championship trophy in the Master's Division and receiving a $1500 scholarship sponsored by Domino's Pizza. Last year Christy became the first racer in Massena history to be awarded a place at the international event with her 7th place finish. Her accomplishment this year marks another first for Massena Derby participants.
Each year the Massena Soapbox Derby with community support sends three local champions to Akron Ohio. For further information on the All American Soapbox Derby go to www.aasbd.org and information on the Massena Soapbox Derby can be found at www.massenasoapboxderby.org.
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