Racers finish strong in annual Soap Box Derby

BANGOR – Racers in Saturday’s Eastern Maine Soap Box Derby mastered the new route this year on Buck Street.

The three champions, who will advance to the All-American Soap Box Derby on July 30 in Akron, Ohio, are:

. Masters Division: Matt Walker, Carmel.

. Super Stock Division: Ryan Botting, Hermon.

. Stock Division: Zachary Bullock, Newburgh.

Representing Maine in the National Super Kids Classic Soap Box Derby Race in Akron in August will be:

. Super Kids Division, Benjamin Carter, Etna.

Benjamin’s name was selected in a drawing from those participating in the Super Kids race last weekend. Also racing were: Jonathan Beale, Bangor;

Amanda Mooney, Brewer;

Danielle Beauregard, Hampden; and Jaron Secord, Bangor.

The Super Kids Race, sponsored by Advantage Payroll Services, allowed area youth with special needs to get the same “thrill of the hill”

that their peers enjoy in the traditional Soap Box Derby race.

The adult-size Soap Box Derby cars used for the Super Kids Race and other specialty races were designed and built at the Charleston Correctional Facility especially for the Eastern Maine Soap Box Derby. Old Town Canoe donated the fiberglass these cars were finished with.

Some 70 racers took part in the annual Eastern Maine Soap Box Derby.

In addition to the champions, top finishers in the derby were:

Masters Division: Angela Patterson, Brewer; Erik Vroom, Bangor; Devin Secord, Bangor; Jeremy Vroom, Bangor; Darren Lewis, Milo.

Super Stock Division: Ryan Thomas, Hermon; Joshua Bullock, Newburgh; Mandi Webb, Dedham; LeAnne Hannington, Orrington; Ryan Dunton, Newburgh; Chelsea Crane, Exeter; Jonathan Turner, Bangor.

Stock Division: Holly Legere, Bangor; Brent Chaffee, Bucksport; Brandyn Tozier, Bangor; Mary Bullock, Newburgh; Briana Thayer, Hudson; Chris Chaffee, Bucksport; Matthew Crane, Exeter.

The day began with a drivers meeting at 7 a.m. and concluded with championship rounds at 5:30 p.m.

Bangor police Officer Chris Desmond clocked the masters cars at about 25 mph, and the Stock and Super Stock cars at 22-24 mph.