Cleveland Soap Box Derby 2020
Lakewood Fire Department has been running a Soap Box Derby car for kids for years. This year I went down and checked it out. The Soap Box DerbyŠ is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to build knowledge, character, and create meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. all photos property of Lakewood Observer, Inc. Š2020_lakewoodobserver.com
(click photo to enlarge)
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The Cleveland Soap Box Derby Track.
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Driving into the paddock.
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Emma Kochler, gives the Lakewood Fire Department a run down the track.
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A look down the track. While people smile when they hear Soap Box Derby, the kids are very brave, and good.
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Imagine getting a push down a hill in a red wagon. Reaching 30 mph, as you hits the bumps and cracks with no suspension.
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Now think about doing it a decade before you can get a driver's liscense!
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Steering with handles and wires, whlie barely look forward.
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And then, just like real racers there are failures. Here the brakes fail!
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Starting to appreciate what the kids are going through?
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And should the brakes fail, there is the gravel trap and catch fencing.
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At the end, the drivers pick up their cars, and do it again.
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Alissa Case, pull her Stock class car back to the pits.
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Trailers line the entrance, just like the real tracks, with cars from as far away as California!
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And the cars, simple cars that can be purchased for about $1,500, and beautifully turned out.
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The Lakewood Fire Deaprtment car looks as good as the fire trucks!
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Niko Janoco, is running one of the five cars that Tradesman Tavern in Parma runs.
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Between runs tires are rotated, and car looked and maintained.
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Emma working with Lakewood Fire Chief Tim Dunphy get the car ready for the next run.
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Mom helping with Emma's car.
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Cody Ojeda's car is based on some of the most famous racing colors of all time.
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Colt Nelman's car reminded me of Racing for Americ'a paint scheme.
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Laura Smutny with her crew chief, Dad.
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A traveling rig, pit frame and alignment tool.
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Sarah Kolesar, getting wighed in her car with helmet. Sarah drove the Lakewood Fire Deaprtment car in the past.
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Finn David from Roacky River with his Stock car.
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Finn with his crew, aka Mom and Dad.
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Victor VanRoy feeling a little dangerous!
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The cars are taken to the top of the hill along with the drivers, and parents.
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You have to admit, that Lakewood Fire Deparment Car driven by Emma Kochler is stunning.
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A run from the top. Steep run down to a low area, then over a slight hill then down to the finish.
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Most races are closer than this! Average distance is in hundreths of a second.
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Cars run both lanes against the same driver to decide winners.
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Emma gets edge out by Justin Sakeaqak.
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Giving up the win, yards from the finish.
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Now back to the top of the track, Sam Cochran against Victor VanRoy
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Emma gets her car ready for the next run, with Chief Dunphy looking on and learning.
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They load it into the chute. Another trick, perfect line up, every hundreth of a degree matters.
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Once they get to the bottom, back to the top for next run.
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Melanie Arellano against Andrew Knapp, both drivers from California, and running for the National Rally Championship.
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Zach Hiller gets into the car.
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Karylee Murphy gets one least check from Dad.
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Sarah Kolesar gets ready for a run.
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Niko Janoco, with head engineer, aka Dad.
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Sam Cochran against Hunter Case
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Sam Cochran against Hunter Case
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Laura Smutny gets ready for a run.
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Stephanie Getz gets loaded into her car by Dad.
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Alexia Jordan at the end of a run.
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Then back to the top of the track.
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But as in most formas of American motorsports, everyone helps everyone else.
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Stephanie Getz gets ready for a final run.
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Can you see the small opening the driver has to look out of. About 1/2 inch at the widest point. Now think of it at 30 mph, bumpy, no suspension, guard rails, and a helmet!
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Her car and skills to all the talking!
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A push across the paddock.
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Zach Hiller's championship car.
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Celina Murty, this is what a Champion l;ooks like!
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The Roll Call listing the drivers and team from the last 5 years.
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One last look at the beautiful Lakewood Fire Department car driven by Emma Kochler.