Derby winners Akron bound

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Ellen Dragsten and Austin Bennett took the checkered flag in the 1st Annual Troy Soap Box Derby Saturday and earned the right to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby which will be held in Akron, Ohio July 22.

Ellen, a 10-year old Troy Elementary School student, was fearless in blazing down the Elm Street hill at speeds more than 32 mph to win the stock division of the derby. She is the daughter of Roger and Virginia Dragsten of Troy.

Austin is a third grade student at Goshen Elementary School. He held off all competitors in the super stock division to take first place in tight final heat. He is the son of Jeffery and Yemika Bennett of Troy.

Ellen was the driver of the car sponsored by the Troy Child Center. Austin drove for the Social Cafe in Brundidge.

Dylan Martin, driver for Whaley Construction Company, took second place in the stock division and Meghan Baker was third. Meghan’s sponsor was Troy Bank & Trust.

In the super stock division Jeffrey Nelson put another trophy in the bank for Troy Bank & Trust with a close second place finish. Jeremy Fortune took third place for his sponsor Carter Brothers Manufacturing Company of Brundidge.

Nancy Brooks, derby director, said she was extremely proud of the success of the derby.

"We had the support of several lot businesses," she said. "Without them, the derby would not have been possible."

She also congratulated the sponsors, the drivers and their families on their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work over the past few weeks as they prepared for the derby race.

Brooks said the sportsmanship of the drivers, the sponsors and their supporters was to be commended.

The groundwork has now been laid, and with a derby to their credit, Brooks said the Troy Soap Box Derby Committee is looking forward to next year.

The Troy Soap Box Derby is the only one held in Alabama and the committee’s belief is that it can grow to be a major attraction for the city.

The title sponsor of the derby was the City of Troy/Troy Recreation Department.

Drivers in the stock division were Meghan Baker, Carson Borchert, Connor Borchert, Ellen Dragsten, Dadrick Howard, Dylan Martin, Dani Ettefaugh, Roger Parker, Brian Smith and Joshua Fortune.

Super stock drivers were Austin Bennett, Stephen Brooks, Andrew Dragsten, Johathan Garney, Jeffrey Nelson, Demy Potter, Jennifer Smith, Jeremy Fortune and Alex Adams.

Race sponsors in the stock division were Borchert Racing Team, Haynes Ambulance, Hendricks Homecenter, KW Plastics, Sanders Lead Co., Sorrell Lumber, Troy Bank & Trust, Troy Children’s Center and Whaley Construction Co.

Super stock sponsors were Battery Specialists, Inc. Carter Brothers Mfg., Exchange Club/Hudson Companies, Dr. William Potter, SARHA, Jennifer Smith, Social Cafe, Troy Bank & Trust and WTBF.