Soapbox Americana in the tri-states

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — The 2007 Port Jervis Soap Box Derby was held on Sunday, June 10, on the Sussex Street hill in Port Jervis. The event drew several thousand spectators and 111 drivers. At the opening ceremonies, former driver and graduating senior Ashley Soules was awarded the Elizabeth Ashley “Boo” Bisland Memorial Scholarship, and awards were distributed to race sponsors H2HSportsOnline.com, Kolmar Laboratories, and Phil’s Ford L-M Jeep. Businessman Bill Hockenberry’s vision led to the city PBA sponsorship of the first race in 2000. On derby day, Hockenberry stood at the end of the course, watching youthful snake dancers during a break in the racing. “Look at those kids. This is great,” he said. His idea was primarily to find an ongoing summer activity for the city’s youth, but he admitted he never anticipated its growth. The Port Jervis derby is now the second largest in the world. Winners of the 2007 Port Jervis Soap Box Derby were: Stock division: 1st, Michael Conklin, age 8, of Port Jervis, N.Y., TSE Lectric & Plumbing; 2nd, Corey Gardner, age 10, PJSoapboxDerby.com; 3rd, Cassie Rutt, age 11, Rutt’s Ride. Superstock division: 1st, David Busch, age 12, Glen Spey, N.Y., California Sun Tanning Resort; 2nd, William McKerrell, age 15, Mitsubishi Fuso; 3rd, Kayla Flieger, age 13, Jelly-Stone/Phonecounsel.com. Masters division: 1st, Alec Martell, age 13, Glen Spey, N.Y., The General Lee; 2nd, Anna Marie Nied, age 11, Wulff Construction; 3rd, Ben Wolf, age 15, The Wolfpack. All three champions were awarded a trophy, a championship flag, a new bike, and an all-expense paid trip to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the All American Soap Box Derby on July 21. For more information, call 845-709-4544 or visit www.pjsoapboxderby.com .