From left to right: Abby Wester, age 8; Devin Corneil, age 14; Katie Sokora, age 13

Fun was the word of the day as Valparaiso held its annual soapbox derby local championship Saturday June 28th.  As is the tradition, the racers zoomed down the hill right on Lincolnway, the main thoroughfare in town.  With the cooperation of many corporate sponsors, our local A.B.A.T.E. club who served as volunteers, the Valparaiso administration and the weather, race day went of without a hitch.

Our local Champs are:

Stock Division: Abby Wester, age 8, John Simatovich Elementary

SuperStock Division: Kate Sikora, age 13, Chesterton Middle School

Masters Division: Devin Corneil, age 14, Benjamin Franklin Middle School

These excited young racers will now show their stuff at the National Championshipevent in Akron, Ohio to be run at Derby Downs Saturday, July 26th.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most racers as many young hopefuls race for years and never make it to the national event. Congratulations and Good Luck to all of them!

If you are interested in participating in the soapbox derby locally or sponsoring the event, contact local director Paul Zulich at 219-462-5244. For more information about the All American Soapbox Derby Association visit  their website at www.aasbd.com.