Published: June 30, 2009 03:44 pm      

Coasting to victory

Local racers advance to All-American Derby in Ohio

Jarrett Carden leaped victoriously into his uncle’s arms after edging out Brittany Davis in the Super Stock Division of the sixth annual City of Firsts Soap Box Derby Saturday on Main Street.

“Just staying low,” the 12-year-old said was the key to claiming his second first-place finish at the derby.

Driving the metallic red family-sponsored car, Carden won every race to become the champ. He also won in 2006.

“This feels great,” said Carden’s uncle, Brian Allen, after the race.

“I’m the crew chief and head mechanic,” said Allen, who earned his third first-place finish in the derby. His daughter, Emily Allen, won the first-ever derby in Kokomo in 2004.

“It’s beyond belief,” he said.

Carden and Davis were among 38 young drivers competing in two divisions on the 900-foot track down South Main Street.

With hands raised, 8-year-old Mackenzie Smith jumped from her No. 1 Gooch & Co. car after coasting past Grace Lupoi for first place in the Stock Division.

With their victories, Carden and Smith will now advance to the 72nd annual All-American Derby in July in Akron, Ohio.

Even though, she finished second, Lupoi said she had a good time.

“It was fun,” she said afterward. “This is my first year.”

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, the derby has relied in the past on derby representatives in Lafayette for the ramps, timers and other equipment for the derby.

This year though, equipment was donated by local community members and businesses, said Heather Hord, a Kiwanis member and volunteer.

“This is the first year it’s totally our equipment,” she said as she helped Shane Melton get cars ready near the starting line.

“The kids are having a lot of fun,” said Melton, also a Kiwanis member.

About halfway down the hill, Sherry Hord and Pat Cottrell cheering on the drivers as they ran a booth selling T-shirts and Soap Box Derby programs.

“This is one of the greatest events in this community,” said Hord.

“The Kiwanis Club does a lot of good things for children in this community,” Cottrell said of the program, which helps organizations such as the Riley Children’s Hospital.

Throughout the day, parents and supporters also lined the street rooting on their favorite driver.

“Show them the girl power,” said Rona Isaacs, as her 8-year-old granddaughter, Ema Shaw, sped off the starting line.

“I’m so excited,” Isaacs said as Shaw’s No. 38 raced against Richard Walker in the No. 27 car.

“This is her first year. I just hope she makes it. She’s holding it right down the middle. She’s doing great.”

• Mike Fletcher is the Kokomo Tribune crime reporter. He can be reached at (765) 454-8577 or mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.