MANSFIELD — Briella Van Harlingen first found Soap Box Derby racing while watching other racers downtown.
Now, the 13-year-old from Ontario is a repeat champion after winning Saturday afternoon at the 88th Annual North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby.
“It feels really good,” Van Harlingen said of keeping her championship title.
She credited a simple strategy for staying on top.
“Get in, stay low and go with the flow,” she said.
The NCO Soap Box Derby has raced down North Main Street in downtown Mansfield since 1993.
Construction forced the event to move last year, and organizers continued with the location this year.
Racers took to the hill on Trimble Road, perpendicular to Arlin Field, with competition beginning around 9:30 a.m. and ending around 5:30 p.m.
Van Harlingen and her father study the track before each race to find the fastest line.
“Me and my dad usually look at the track to figure out where we want to go on the track to go faster, but really that’s it,” she said.
Chasing another trip to Akron
The Stock and Super Stock division winners now advance to the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, a destination Van Harlingen knows well.
“Akron is also really fun, so I’m excited to go again,” she said.
Racers from around the world compete there. Van Harlingen remembered meeting one participant who traveled from Japan last year.
“My favorite part is when I do good and win,” she said with a laugh.
She offered simple advice for anyone considering the sport.
“Get low, go and listen to your instructor.”
From unexpected finishes to first-place glory
Casey Rachel 14, of Mansfield finished as the Super Stock runner-up.
Rachel has raced for five years and entered the day hoping to finish among the top four.
“I wasn’t expecting any of this really,” she said.
Always try something new and see if you like it.
Casey Rachel
Her brother introduced her to Soap Box Derby racing and inspired her to get involved.
Meeting people through the sport remains her favorite part.
“Always try something new and see if you like it,” she said.
Jonah Carolus, 12, of Port Clinton captured the Stock Division championship in his first season.
“I’m a rookie, this is my first year,” Carolus said. “It feels amazing.”
Staying low helped him find speed on the course.
“I found the black wheels with the cutouts to be the fastest,” he said. “I feel good.”
(Photos from the 88th Annual NCO Soap Box Derby. Credit: Hannah Martin)
