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Racers compete in Soap Box Derby

JUDI PINKERTON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Two children race soap box cars down Market Street hill Saturday during the city’s annual Soap Box Derby race. Two winners will advance to the international championship in Akron, Ohio. About 150 volunteers assisted children in building their cars.

Two young boys dominated the hill on Market Street during the eighth annual Soap Box Derby on Saturday.

Benjamin Hakes, 8, of Williamsport won first place in the stock division, ages seven to 11.

It was his second year participating in the derby.

He went undefeated against the other 31 racers in his division.

Hakes could not contain how excited he was about winning. He was beaming from ear to ear while jumping up and down with his friends in celebration.

Beating the other racers in his division is not an easy task. He said his secret to winning was to crouch down as low as he could.

“I get down really, really low, that makes me go very fast,” Hakes said.

His family was there to cheer him on throughout the derby and rejoiced with him at the bottom of the hill.

Steele Evangelisti, 14, of Hughesville, won first prize in the super stock division, ages 12 to 18. It was also his second year participating in the derby.

“It feels wonderful to that I will be competing in the national finals,” Evangelisti said.

Both winners will participate in the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

The journey for Evangelisti took him racing against second place winner, Bryce Barr four times in the finals in order to claim victory.

At the beginning of derby day, there were 64 racers participating in the eighth annual event. It is a double elimination race that lasted through most of the day.

There were 150 volunteers working to make sure the track was set up properly, kids were lining up to race on time and to inspect the cars for safety purposes.

Each of the racers learned how to build their car, care for it and drive it, said Keith Boyer, derby pit boss. They were taught the lower they crouch, they can cut down on wind resistance which increases their speed.

The derby allows local kids to participate in a competitive activity that does not require athletic skill, said Wes McCracken, secretary/treasurer of the derby organization.

A unique aspect with the derby is called Super Kids. McCracken built cars with two seats so someone can drive it while children with special needs can ride in the passenger’s side.

“With the derby, we want to include everyone in the community,” he said. “Creating Super Kids allows us to give them the same opportunity to race.”

Elizabeth Haussmann, 13, of Williamsport, loved getting to participate in the race. Before the race she was thrilled to go down the hill.

“I’m excited to go fast,” Haussmann said.

After the race she was beaming at the sight of her participation trophy.

Benjamin Sprunger, 16, of Williamsport, was also excited to participate in the race.

His mother Liz Yoder said she was glad he could be a part of the derby.

“I love the idea of Super Kids, it’s fantastic to allow everyone to participate,” Yoder said.

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