A two day event in Mineral Ridge brought out dozens of the areas best Soap Box Derby racers, including 15-year-old Joseph Puntel from Austintown. "I went to the World Championship's last summer. It was my first year going to the World Championships and I came back with third in the world," Puntel said.
The Greater Youngstown Area Soap Box Derby Association hosted the weekend event, which was held on the road next to Mineral Ridge High School. Winners of each division received medals and trophies, and the boys and girls there, who ranged from ages 8 to 17, were able to score rally points that may help them in the future. "If you get enough points, you can go to the Akron race as a points leader," said Jim Henderson who was there with his son and daughter.
The Soap Box Derby drew many local families like the Hendersons. "Yesterday, she got first place. We're trying to do it again today," Henderson said. "She's racing for first or second, so we're having fun."
Some even came to Mineral Ridge to race from as far away as Rochester, New York. "It's not that big there. It's not as popular as in Ohio," said Iggy and Nicky Vaccaro, who drove in from Rochester.
Most racers here had their minds set on gaining momentum heading into July's All-American Rally Championships in Akron, a fairly significant deal in the Soap Box world. "I mean, there's kids from Japan, German, New Zealand, Guam. It was pretty interesting last year," said Iggy Vaccaro.
It seems that at least a few local kids will represent our area at the World Championship event. "I have a 193 points, I think, and you have to have 180, so I'll be back again this year," Puntel said.
