Port Soap Box Derby hosts 130 competitors

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — Some 130 drivers competed Saturday at the Port Jervis PBA Soapbox Derby for a chance to go on to the All-American Soapbox Derby in Akron, Ohio in July. The four champions that will go on to represent Port Jervis in Akron are: Stock Division: Mackenzye Leroy — Age 12 First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis Super Stock Division: Kristina Santacruz — Age 10 Johnson & Conroy Insurance & Len & Joe’s Racing Masters Division: David Busch — Age 13 California Sun Tanning Resort Super Kids Division: Nicholas Zingaro — Age 14 This year’s derby was the largest in Port Jervis’ History and despite the record high temperatures, thousands of fans attended to show their support. The derby was also attended by New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Port Jervis Mayor Gary Lopriore and Orange County Legislator, Wayne Decker. Drivers were also entertained throughout the day by the mascots from the Hudson Valley Renegades and the New Jersey Devils. History was made as the Super Kids division was introduced, allowing children with special needs to get “the thrill of the hill.” Five drivers competed in this division including Theresa Bell, David Phillips, Johanna Formisano, Lauren Belsten, Joshua Klotz and champion Nicholas Zingaro. “It’s a wonderful thing that this group has done for our children.” said Chris Bell, father of Super Kids racer Theresa Bell. “She had a blast!” Additional 2008 race results: Stock Division: 2nd Justin Brewster — Port Jervis Physical Therapy & Wellness 3rd Erik Hawkins — F.A. Scott Insurance 4th Jonathan Rhoades — J&B Racing 5th Matthew Kowal — Kowal Brothers Paving & Kowal’s Sealcoating 6th Casey Rae Malzahn — My Uncle’s Paintball Shop & Malzahn Gas Super Stock Division: 2nd Meghan McGregor — American Family Campground 3rd Andrea McKerrell — Mitsubishi Fuso 4th Peyton Williams — Wickham Methodist Church 5th Dylan Little — Bon Secours Community Hospital 6th Kayla Flieger — Jellystone Campground Masters Division: 2nd Matt Halloran — The Fireball 3rd Amanda Busch — The Shop 4th Ian Halloran — H2H Sports 5th Brittney Midlarsky — Phil’s Ford Jeep 6th Shawn Trainor — Sussex County Glass Super Kids Division: 2nd: Theresa Bell 3rd: Joshua Klotz 4th: Johanna Formisano 5th: Lauren Belsten