Jarrett Carden leaped victoriously into his uncle’s arms after edging out Brittany Davis in the Super Stock Division of the sixth annual City of Firsts Soap Box Derby Saturday on Main Street.
“Just staying low,” the 12-year-old said was the key to claiming his second first-place finish at the derby.
Driving the metallic red family-sponsored car, Carden won every race to become the champ. He also won in 2006.
“This feels great,” said Carden’s uncle, Brian Allen, after the race.
“I’m the crew chief and head mechanic,” said Allen, who earned his third first-place finish in the derby. His daughter, Emily Allen, won the first-ever derby in Kokomo in 2004.
“It’s beyond belief,” he said.
Carden and Davis were among 38 young drivers competing in two divisions on the 900-foot track down South Main Street.
With hands raised, 8-year-old Mackenzie Smith jumped from her No. 1 Gooch & Co. car after coasting past Grace Lupoi for first place in the Stock Division.
With their victories, Carden and Smith will now advance to the 72nd annual All-American Derby in July in Akron, Ohio.
Even though, she finished second, Lupoi said she had a good time.
“It was fun,” she said afterward. “This is my first year.”
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, the derby has relied in the past on derby representatives in Lafayette for the ramps, timers and other equipment for the derby.
This year though, equipment was donated by local community members and businesses, said Heather Hord, a Kiwanis member and volunteer.
“This is the first year it’s totally our equipment,” she said as she helped Shane Melton get cars ready near the starting line.
“The kids are having a lot of fun,” said Melton, also a Kiwanis member.
About halfway down the hill, Sherry Hord and Pat Cottrell cheering on the drivers as they ran a booth selling T-shirts and Soap Box Derby programs.
“This is one of the greatest events in this community,” said Hord.
“The Kiwanis Club does a lot of good things for children in this community,” Cottrell said of the program, which helps organizations such as the Riley Children’s Hospital.
Throughout the day, parents and supporters also lined the street rooting on their favorite driver.
“Show them the girl power,” said Rona Isaacs, as her 8-year-old granddaughter, Ema Shaw, sped off the starting line.
“I’m so excited,” Isaacs said as Shaw’s No. 38 raced against Richard Walker in the No. 27 car.
“This is her first year. I just hope she makes it. She’s holding it right down the middle. She’s doing great.”
• Mike Fletcher is the Kokomo Tribune crime reporter. He can be reached at (765) 454-8577 or mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Coasting to victory
Local racers advance to All-American Derby in Ohio
- Local News
-
-
Delphi retirees continue fight for pensions
A group of then-Delphi Corp. retirees saw a long road ahead of them when they banded in 2009 to keep hold of their full pensions and benefits.
-
Eastern moves ahead on wind turbine
A packed room of remonstrators Tuesday held little sway over the Eastern Howard Schools board, which voted unanimously to move ahead on a $2.75 million wind turbine project.
-
Board: discipline for accused doctor not strict enough
The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana has rejected a proposed resolution to a Russiaville doctor’s disciplinary case, directing the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to propose a more stringent set of requirements.
-
City to end agreement with Novia
City officials said Tuesday they’re planning to switch providers at the city’s employee health-care clinic this spring, ending a year-old relationship with Novia Health Care.
-
Eastern celebrates graduation rate improvement
The latest graduation rates prove all Howard County schools are offering a quality education, a local superintendent said.
That’s how Tracy Caddell, superintendent of the Eastern Howard School Corp., summed up the figures released Tuesday by the Indiana Department of Education.
-
Jail full of females
In late January, cell mates Monica Clark Davis and Christy Miller were awaiting disposition of their respective cases in the Howard County jail.
-
Eastern set for wind turbine meeting
GREENTOWN — Eastern Howard Schools superintendent Tracy Caddell said Monday the school board is considering alternate sites for a proposed wind turbine project, which would build a 287-foot-tall windmill to produce energy for the schools.
-
Chamber cancels cook-off
After an 11-year run, the annual chili cook-off in Kokomo has been canceled for this year.
-
Miami County GOP fails to appoint new trustee
PERU – Miami County commissioners will be forced to appoint a Perry Township trustee after the GOP’s county chairman exceeded the deadline to replace the vacated seat.
-
Students petition to keep daycare at IUK
A group of Indiana University Kokomo students is petitioning the university to reconsider shutting down an on-campus childcare center.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
