Evening star., 1951-06-30
Soop Box Derby
(Continued From First Page.)

Soup Box Derby
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home constructed cars streaking
down the course in 32.5 seconds
were Gerald Leaberry. IL, of 5119|
is street Sc, and Dewey La
Rochelle, IL, Of 1887 Valley place
Sc. Both were Class B entrants.
Last years best time was 3l.2.
The race heats are divided into
two groups-Class B for boys IL
and IL and Class A for those 13
| to Is. Elimination. heats alter
nate between the two classes. with
semi final run-offs scheduled for
the afternoon.
The Washington championship
will be run about S pm. between
Glass A and Glass B winners. The
final victor will represent this city
| in national finals in Akron on
August IL. He viii compete against
149 other champions for prizes
ranging up to q $1,000 college
scholarship.
The weather outlook did Moth
ing to dim enthusiasm of the
racers and just before heats began
the sun broke through the clouds
Temporarily. Many of the youths
had covered their cars with can
vas and lost no time in ripping
off the covers.
A method of self-locomotion
unknown to Derby observers was
displayed by Albert Bozzi, IL, OF
651 street Sc. Falling behind
in his class B heat. Albert drew
a roar from the crowd as he
started jerking his body back and
forth in frantic efforts to gather
speed. His efforts were in vain,
however, as he came in third.
CoIorful Parade staged.
The 1851 race is sponsored by
The Star and Metropolitan Area
Chevrolet dealers, in cooperation
with the American Legion.
Just before the racing got under
way the contestants participated
lin colorful parade down the
track, where Commissioner F.
Joseph Donohue addressed the
youths at traditional finish-line
ceremonies.
Mr.. Donohue praised the youths
for their skill in constructing the
colorful racers and said he was
grateful for this opportunity" to
exhibit sportsmanship in the con-
test. Now, let's have fast race,
a clean race, and good luck to
the winner" he declared.
The parade was led by motor
cycle police escort, and the line
included the District Legion's Ma
|tional Guard of Honor, captained
by Gail T. Judd; a float sponsored
by the area Chevrolet dealers. the
Metropolitan Police Boys Club
Band and a motorcade carrying
distinguished guests and members
of the Derby committees.
The stars Of the show-the con-
testants themselves-wound up the
parade line, wearing their official
Derby helmets and racing T-shirts
| 1850 Winner to Demonstrate.
An extra attraction was Davis
Wrinkle. whose 31.2-second lime
made him winner of the 1886
; Washington dreby. Davis showed
how it was done in a solo run
down the course in 32.1 seconds
and later was to perform in q
special exhibition against the 194s
winner, Alfred Ashton.
The runway took on a festival
air early today. as first-aid anc
'Irefreshment tents and special
Stands were set up along the steep
downhill course. Tarpaulin COW
Ierings placed over the stands
Originally to help Offset the heat
were expected to come in especially
handy in case of rain.
/ The Soap Box pilots and then
j, racers were trucked to the speed.
,lway early this morning from the
) District National Guard Armory
where the cars had been held anc
marked in preparation for the bis
race.
Beehive of Activity.
Even as the first heats got
under way, the starting line wa'
a beehive of activity. Cars, pulled
into the order in which they viii
S run, got last-minute checks ant
special fabrication from theil
e eager drivers. The Shell Oil Co
t furnished special miniature lifts
to aid the boys.
y AS usual, the ingenuity of th'
4 youthful racers was apparent il
!. the shapes. colors and specia
!. streamlining gadgets installed OF
e the cars.
q In a special pre-race contest a
the Armory last night, John g
e Moore, jr.. Is, of 303 Hume ave
v nue., Alexandria, won an awar,
9 for the best upholstered car. Las
year. in his first race, he VOL
first prize for the best constructe,
lear.
The best constructed car thi
year is owned by Charles Peckin
= Ipaugh. Is. of 822 Monticello drive
! Falls Church.
OI Legion Nurses Check Drivers.
t. Young Peckinpaugh went al
! Iout to try to win his award. H
i, ,lsaid he had ordered Akron paper
= covering the race finals for tn
d Hast two years to study feature
l. |of winning cars before beginnin
his own. His pfize.Winner wax