The Sertoma soap box derby race was held on Costilla hill again this year. This location has been home to the derby since 1938. It proved not to be so tough for the champions as they blasted their way to the front to capture first place in their respective divisions.
Lexie Cahill of Castle Rock took the honors in the masters division. She beat out Oliver Shanklin of Monument by a tenth of a secondin a very close final. In the super stock division, Michael Ebbink, Colorado Springs, won out over Andy Brown, also of Colorado Springs. Seth Olson, Monument, came all the way through the loser's bracket to beat Eric Wilson of Colorado Springs in one of the closest races of the day. Only three one-hundredths of a second separated them.
The Champions get an expense paid trip to Akron, Ohio, in July to compete in the All American Soap Box Derby against the winners of races held in 160 other cities across the country. In addition to huge trophies and sports apparel, the winners there receive handsome scholarships and extensive publicity. An appearance on Good Morning America is not too shabby.
The derby runs annually in June and is geared for youngsters aged 8 years to 17 years. Race cars are built from kits and everything possible is done to equalize the cars to make the race as competitive as possible. It is a good program for youth as well as parents and guardians for it creates a bonding that won't be forgotten. More information is available at ppsbd.com.