Libby, Smith top field in Camden Girls earn trips to Soap Box finals

CAMDEN – More than two dozen racers braved the inclement weekend weather to compete in the 12th annual Mid-Coast Maine Soap Box Derby held on the Washington Street course Saturday.

Ayla Libby, 12, of Standish, a student at Bonny Eagle Middle School, won the Stock Division, while Desiree Smith, 17, of Thomaston, a student at Georges Valley High School in Thomaston, won the Super Stock Division.

Libby edged her sister, Kyaunna Libby, for first place in the stock division, with Daniel Smith of Buxton, Mark Tolman of Waldoboro, and Justin Stearns of Camden rounding out the top five. Twelve racers competed in the Stock Division.

Smith, who placed fifth in the Stock Division in 2005 and third in the same division in 2003, bested second-place Kyle Pratt of Warren in the finals of this year’s Super Stock Division. Cameron Henry of Thomaston was third, with April Waite of Casco and Ryan Splaine of Lincolnville fourth and fifth among the 14 competitors in the division.

The Stock Division is designed to give the first-time builder a learning experience. Boys and girls ages 9-16 compete in simplified cars built from kits. The Super Stock Division gives competitors an opportunity to expand their knowledge and build a more advanced model. Both of these beginner levels make use of kits and shells available from the All-American.

With their victories, Libby and Smith qualified to compete in the 69th annual All-American Soap Box Derby to be held July 22 at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.

Several other awards were presented during the postrace program, according to race director Randy Stearns: Sportsmanship Awards: Breanna Dorr of Camden and Mark Tolman of Waldoboro; Best Cars, Stock: Eddie Socker of Camden; Super Stock: Amelia Mank of Hope; Best Crash: Cameron Henry of Thomaston; Special Awards: Patrick Splaine of Lincolnville, William Greene of Waldoboro, and Cameron Henry of Thomaston.