Kids raced head to head Sunday in the Akron Suburban Soap Box Derby for a spot in the All-American Soap Box Derby on July 16.
In the stock division, Mikey Conway of Louisville slid into a wall and lost his first round of racing. He made a comeback, though, and took first place in his division over Josh Walker of Canton in second place and Alana Milone of Coventry in third place.
In the super stock division, Logan Gongaware of Perry Township took first place over Steven Swisher of Coventry in second place and Amy Getz of North Canton in third place. Logan’s twin brother Nick took fourth place in the division.
The first-place winners will move on to the All-American Soap Box Derby next month at Akron’s Derby Downs.
Jeff Iula, president of the Akron Area Soap Box Derby, said the day went well despite a setback earlier in the week. Local derby director Wayne Rathbun, who had a heart attack in December, started to feel chest pains Thursday during inspection of the derby cars.
Rathbun was admitted to the hospital for his pain until Friday night, but wound up feeling better just in time for the two-day race that began Saturday. He was there to help run the race both days.
“We’re very proud of him for that,” Iula said. “It went well today.”
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com.