It's all downhill at the derby

Port Jervis, N.Y. — The tenth annual Port Jervis PBA Soapbox Derby went off without a hitch as four new champions were crowned on Sunday, June 14. Andrea McKerrell, Theresa Bell, Tyler Gibbs and Erik Hawkins will all go on to represent Port Jervis in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio in late July. Several thousand spectators lined the streets as Port celebrated its banner year. 148 Drivers competed in the 2nd largest Soap Box Derby in the world for a chance to win the coveted week-long trip to Akron, Ohio to race with the world’s elite. “It is so much fun!” said Jordan Norberg who drives the Funky Monkey. “It’s great to get together with friends every year and race ‘til we drop!” This year’s derby was sponsored by several local businesses and organizations such as Kolmar, Shoprite, Frontier Communications and 96.7 /103.1 Radio. “Without the support of this community, this event could never happen,” said Billy McKerrell, Assistant Director of the Derby. “It is absolutely amazing how many people come together to make this all happen.” McKerrell’s daughter, Andrea, went on to win the championship in the Super Stock division. Over 200 volunteers showed up derby day to support the event. Some lifted cars, some fixed them, some were traffic control while others made sure drivers had lunch, drank plenty of water and applied lots of sun block. The day’s festivities were attended by several area dignitaries including Assemblywoman Eileen Gunther. “This is an amazing community event,” said Gunther as she addressed the crowd of drivers, parents, staff and supporters. “You should all be very proud of what you do here every year. This event truly demonstrates the spirit of Port Jervis!” This year’s race results Super Stock 2009 Champion, Andrea McKerrell Second Place, Kayla Flieger Third Place, Alyssa Ladika Fourth Place, Payton Williams Fifth Place, James Tegan Sixth Place, Meghan McGregor Super Kids 2009 Champion, Theresa Bell Second Place, Johanna Formisano Third Place, Nicholas Zingaro Fourth Place, Joshua Klotz Fifth Place, Lauren Belsten Sixth Place, Dominique Tresch Masters 2009 Champion, Tyler Gibbs Second Place, Tyler Addy Third Place, Kristina Santacruz Fourth Place, Brittney Midlarsky Fifth Place, Billy Bridges Sixth Place, Aaron Aumick Stock 2009 Champion, Erik Hawkins Second Place, Shannon Brucher Third Place, Lucas Tufano Fourth Place, Alex Quick Fifth Place, Matthew Kowal Sixth Place, Christian Eckes