This past week, I went to Ohio to compete at the 78th All American Soap Box Derby World Championships.
Soap Box Derby champions from around the globe earn a trip to Akron, Ohio each year to compete in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby at the world famous Derby Downs Track.
Upon my arrival, I received my official racing clothing and signed the official champions banner that will hang permanently in the Derby's Hall of Fame and Museum. On Monday, I was welcomed at a parade in my and the other champions' honor on Main Street in downtown Akron followed by opening ceremonies at Lock 3. Once at Lock 3 each champion is introduced on stage. While on stage, I threw out shirts and took a selfie with the other two champs from my local derby.
On Tuesday, I raced in the Subway Challenge. This race was just for Local Racers (there is local and rally) and was a three lane wheel and lane swap race. It down poured for about 5 minutes, making me wait even longer to race since I was the last heat to go down. I lost all 3 races. Then, I went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame with my family.
On Wednesday, we went to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Lines were insane and most of the steel roller coasters had 2 hour waits. It was still fun though to go on the coasters we got to go on.
On Thursday, I went to work on my car one last time before the big race. It was the Local Stock Champion's birthday on Friday so her dad payed for her, my sister, and myself to have manicures. It was a nice way to relax. The hotel threw a pizza and ice cream party for all the champs and their families.
The Super Kids race was on Friday. The super kid, Dominique, raced 3 times before losing. She did really well and was so proud of her medal. Port's Local Stock champ from 2 years ago was a co-pilot, and got 2 racers to the finals.
After the race, we went back and had cupcakes and ice cream cake for Corinne's birthday.
Saturday was the big day. I had to be at the track by 7 am. I did a lot of waiting around. Corrine raced first and she lost. Then Dayton, who won first round and lost his second. I finally raced at 12. I lost by .008 seconds. I was super bummed, and still am, but I improved my time by a full second from the Tuesday challenge race.
{Praying before the race}
{Dayton ~ Right side}
{Waiting to Race}
{Port Jervis Cheer Section and Champs!}
As tradition, we went to dinner at the Spaghetti warehouse. All in all, it was a good week!
