Catell, Weil, Splaine off to nationals

CAMDEN – There may not have been any circus act backflips performed after big wins, like NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, but the racers at Saturday’s 11th annual Mid-Coast Maine Soap Box Derby certainly do know how to celebrate.

In fact, after his run down the hill, Ryan Splaine, 10, of Lincolnville stood in the middle of his Stock division car awaiting the overall results of his heat to be announced over the intercom. When his victory was confirmed, Splaine jumped from his car and thrust his fists triumphantly into the air. True, no backflips, but all the heart.

If one word is used to summarize the Mid-Coast Maine Soap Box Derby, it would be just that, heart. From the volunteers, to the derby committee members, to the racers, parents, grandparents, and spectators, whole communities came out to support the young racers and their sportsmanlike competition.

“We really look for sportsmanship. Kids often wish each other luck in the starting gate, it’s not cutthroat,” said Jim Curtis, president of the Mid-Coast Maine Soap Box Derby.

A total of 38 racers competed in the Stock, Super Stock, and Masters division races Saturday on Washington Street in Camden, hoping that its pavement would lead the way to the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on July 30.

In the end, Splaine clinched the Stock division title, Nathan Catell, 12, of Lincolnville claimed the Super Stock division, and Nicole Weil, 17, of Rockport was victorious in the Masters division.

The racers, who vary in age from 8-17, admit that participation in the derby requires hard work and dedication, especially since it’s mandatory for racers to build, or assemble their cars from kits, by themselves or with minimal assistance, stated Megan Griffin, 15, of Camden.

The community shares in its commitment to the derby, for each car kit can cost up to $500 and the racers rely on community sponsors to make their racing dreams a reality.

The derby is a family undertaking and a time for parent/child bonding, explained Tim Robinson, father of Scotty Robinson, who finished second to Catell in the Super Stock division by .06 seconds.

In each round of double-elimination competition, the racers make two runs down the hill, switching lanes and wheels between runs to remain fair. The lowest overall time in the two runs wins the heat.

Scotty Robinson, 15, of Friendship struggled in last year’s competition and really didn’t want to race again this year, but after his second-place finish Saturday, he was glad he decided to participate.

“As parents we couldn’t be prouder. This is a good anniversary present,” said Tim Robinson, who spent his wedding anniversary with his wife Angie at the track supporting and coaching their children.

Even Scotty’s sister, Savannah Robinson, 19, who spent last weekend winning medals at the Special Olympics, became part of the family affair and rode in one of the two adult cars that ceremoniously kicks off the annual event. Savannah smiled proudly as she reflected on her ride and stated, “I didn’t crash!”

“It makes me happy that my sister likes the stuff I do and can do it,” said her proud brother Scotty.

Tough competition, family dedication, and positive attitudes defined the derby, providing a fun-filled day for racers and fans. Despite the lack of circus acrobatics, fans seemed to be satisfied by the smiles of every racer as they crossed the finish line.

“It is a lot of work [organizing the derby], but seeing the smile on the kids on race day makes all the hard work for the year worth it,” said Curtis.

Top finishers

Stock division: 1, Nathan Catell, 12, Lincolnville; 2, Scotty Robinson, 15, Friendship; 3, Eathan Jarrett, 14, South Thomaston; 4,Cameron Henry, 13, Thomaston; 5, Jessica Brawn, 16, Woolwich; 6, Katherine Clark, 15, Newcastle; 7,Michael Robinson, 11, Warren; 8,Demi Dunn, 13, Camden.

Super Stock division: 1, Ryan Splaine, 10, Lincolnville; 2,Tyler Maney, 13, Waldoboro; 3,Nikolas Guptill, 9, Jefferson; 4, Laura Beal, 12, Friendship; 5, Desiree Smith, 16, Thomaston; 6, Justin Stearns, 9, Camden; 7, Trenton Jarrett, 9, South Thomaston; 8, Conner Yurko, 11, Round Pond.

Masters division: 1, Nicole Weil, 17, Rockport; 2, Ashley Estrella, 16, West Rockport; 3, Mykel Callaway, 15, West Rockport; 4, Roger Guptill, 13, Jefferson; 5, Megan Griffin, 15, Camden; 6, Autumn MacDonald, 11, Waldoboro; 7, William Green, 16, Waldoboro.