Thunderstorm holds up decision in Soap Box Derby race

YOUNGSTOWN — Just three of the 45 racers who competed in Saturday’s Greater Youngstown Area Soap Box Derby will be eligible to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby Championship in Akron on July 26.

Winners of two divisions — Stock and Masters — were determined before a thunder, lightning and rain storm with damaging winds hit the area and delayed the final race to break a tie in the Super Stock Division.

“We just needed another few minutes,” said race director, Andy Bowell.

But all of the drivers, ages 8-17, flew down the Fifth Avenue hill, between Arlington Street and Fifth, at least four times — just inches off the blacktop and trying to hold a straight line while reaching speeds estimated at 30 to 35 miles per hour.

Ask almost any driver, whether a rookie or a veteran of many derbies, boy or girl, what they like best, and they smile and say, “the race ... the speed.”

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com