Staff Report

Drivers patiently awaited the start of the soap box derby car race in Newberry on July 18. The race was held at the Clemson Extension Office.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_All-drivers.jpgDrivers patiently awaited the start of the soap box derby car race in Newberry on July 18. The race was held at the Clemson Extension Office. Courtesy photos

Dristan Trammell of Union, left, took home first place in Class B and Chase Minick of Newberry, right, won the Class A division of the race.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Dristan-and-Chase.jpgDristan Trammell of Union, left, took home first place in Class B and Chase Minick of Newberry, right, won the Class A division of the race. Courtesy photos

Drivers met prior to the start of the race.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Drivers-meeting.jpgDrivers met prior to the start of the race. Courtesy photos

Altogether, 12 youth and 17 cars participated in the Class A and Class B races.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_IMG_20150718_103820168.jpgAltogether, 12 youth and 17 cars participated in the Class A and Class B races. Courtesy photos

Noah Mills runs the course during a practice round prior to the race.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Noah-Mills-in-practice.jpgNoah Mills runs the course during a practice round prior to the race. Courtesy photos

NEWBERRY — Newberry County 4-H agent Alana West said they had a great turnout for the July 18 soapbox derby race held at the Clemson Extension Office next to Piedmont Technical College and hosted by 4-H.

Altogether, West said they had 12 participants with 17 cars compete in the Class A and Class B races. Stock cars (Class A) typically come with a kit to put them together and plastic wheels for the car. Class B has ball-bearings.

Compared to a track in Union also used by 4-H, the one in Newberry turned out to be 150 feet, which was shorter, West said.

Two rookie drivers — Noah Mills from Newberry and Devon Mundell from Prosperity — participated this year.

Chase Minick from Newberry won the Class A division of the race and Dristan Trammell from Union took home first place in Class B. Minick was also chosen for the Spirit Award, which West said was chosen by track officials.

Newberry will host the next race on Aug. 8. The practice round will begin at 8 a.m. with the race at 10 a.m. The race should finish between noon and 1 p.m. West said she is looking for sponsors for the race.