Soap Box Derby crowns young champions

Participants in this year’s Northern Maine Soap Box Derby included, from left, front row: Ian Wallace, Malon Harbison, Raegan Lincoln, Paisley Williams, Cameron Bennett, Chase Huite, Carter Crane, Guyer Ridley, Olivia Trickey, Scarlet Trickey and Nicholas Adams. Second row: Judah Holcomb, Abel Scott, Graysen Beaulieu, Noah Sloat, Scarlet Wells, Tessa Wells, Owen Huite, Gabriel Sloat, Rayna Holcomb, Jace Dunlop, Gabriel Williams and Finn Sherman. Back row: Aiden Cyr, Gemma Wells, Jonathan Quint, Hailey Flewelling, Caden Flewelling, Carsyn Willians and Patrick Crane. (Courtesy of Andy Mooers)

Cold and rainy weather didn’t keep 40 local racers from enjoying the “thrill of the hill” at the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby in Houlton. 

This year’s race was held on May 31st. Traditionally the race is held the second weekend in June each year. Despite the poor weather and change of date, the racers and hundreds of spectators enjoyed the day. 

The stock division winner for this year’s race was Finn Sherman. This division is for the younger racers and has typically more restrictions on the cars. The age to race in the Stock Division is 8 on the local hill. 

Aiden Cyr was this year’s local super stock winner. Super stock is for racers 9 through 18 who have either maxed the weight limit for the stock, are of age to race a super stock car, or have already won the local race in the stock division. 

Aiden’s win this year made him a back-to-back champion for the stock and super stock divisions. This is a huge accomplishment for the 10-year-old racer. 

Both Finn and Aiden will be going to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the International Soap Box Derby race that is held in July each year. 

The second place finishers, Reagan Lincoln in stock and Gabriel Sloat in super stock, made the race especially exciting. This year’s race had some unexpected commotion with a photo finish that was brought on by a timing system malfunction, caused by the large amount of rain throughout the day. 

The race would not have been possible without the many volunteers that were present throughout the day. Their quick thinking and teamwork were key to making the race successful with the unplanned delays due to weather. 

Organizers thanked all of the race sponsors. The race would not be possible without the generosity of those in the community who donated both monetarily and with their time. 

If you are interested in participating in the racing, volunteering or donating, reach out to the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby Association, either through the association’s Facebook page or by emailing nmsoapboxderby1@gmail.com.