Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-06-30
DERBY


Throughout the day that Vincent
would eventually be the winner
His first trip down the course
opened q number Of eyes when
his time for the run between
Branch and Alabama avenues
was announced at 80 seconds
fiat.
Pink Champagne" was being
driven by Joseph Holston, Is, Of
1923 Hawkins lane, Chevy Chase,
Md.
When Joseph came down the
stretch all one could see was
two eyes under a blue helmet
lpeering over the hood. He was
fast, a steady driver. A crowd
of about 1000 persons excitedly
awaited the time when $50
Pok" and the slightly gray-pink
car would get together for q
match.
Loses By "EyeIash"
Once. finishing way out In
front. Joseph announced as he
whipped past the finish line that
tive lost my brakesl" He shot
up Pennsylvania avenue and
piled into a barrier Of old rubber
tires.
Taeking up this and that he
then raced the accomplished Vim
cent and lost by the proverbial
eyelash.
A total CT l4S boys competed
in the all-day affair. One. Robert
Lipscomb. IL. Of the German
Orphans Home. spun out Of con-
troll and smacked into the gutter.
He turned over twice, smashed
his racer and-though he might
have broken his heart-came up
with a steady eye and a few
brush burns. He was sent to
Casualty Hospital for rest and
observation.
Though 1t Is decidedly a trial
for a youngster to race down the
hill five times to victory, the
most difficult time was the lot
Of his mother.
Each time Vincent won q pre-
liminary race his mother, Mrs.
Mildren Watts. standing of the
track in the hot sun. twisted and
turned and worried. Her tears
came freely when it was all over
hugging the life out Of the Watts
who finally cashed in. Vincent's
brother. Karl. now 10. had also
made the run for the big trophy
and he too had come in second
before age forced him out Of
competition.
Karl Watts offered condolences
to Joseph Kasper in the winners
circle.
Gets Expert Advice
II know just how you feel"
the older boy said to the deadly
serious Joseph. Il was In the
same place once"
Joseph. who raced last year in
Baltimore. plans to try it again
next year. He seemed mainly
interested. despite the confusion
of the winners circle, over the
suggestion that he take your
wheel brace and make it longer
that1l do 1t" offered by one Of
many experts on soap box racing.
Representative Schenck, Re-
publican Of Ohio. was on hand
to wish the boys well as they
started racing in the morning
and Representative Ayres, Re-
publican from Akron, Ohio greet
ed the winner and invited him
TO the national championships.
The trophy for the best up
holstered car, donated by the
Breakfast Optimist Club. was
awarded TO Donald Davis, IA, Of
4427 North Pershing drive, Ar
lington. The award for the best
constructed racer went to War;
rem Crosby, IA, of 4811 Westway
drive NV, courtesy Of the Gus
tom Automotive Co.
In addition. the fastest con-
testant in each Chevrolet dealer
ship will get a free trip to Akron
TO watch the national finals.
Thirteen other boys. thus, will
get the prize journey. along with
Vincent.
The fastest heat prize was
donated by Gear Grinders. The
Meadow Gold Ice Cream Co.
gave Vincent a years supply Of
ice cream and six months
supply to the Glass B Champ.
"He loves the stuff" remarked
Mrs. Watts when her son was
handed the certificate for the
ice cream.