By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

Dakota Thomas’ car doesn’t have an engine, but she’s still motoring along in the fast lane.

Thomas is making noise in the Soap Box Derby competition after winning the Stock Division recently and earning a berth in the 75th All-American Soap Box Derby championships Saturday in Akron.

Thomas is a resident of South Charleston, W.Va., but her father, Duane Thomas, is a graduate of Ironton High School and her grandparents Ron and Via Thomas still reside in Ironton.

She won the qualifying race in a field of approximately 40 competitors.

“Winning the Stock Division in the All-American qualifying race in my first year of competition was amazing,” said Dakota Thomas who races throughout the Ohio River region.

Her car passed the final official inspection, thus giving her a slot with 422 other youths ages 7-17 who will run in the famous race.

“I will keep racing in Akron until they tell me to go home,” said Dakota.

Cars in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Championship compete in gravity-powered cars they build.

For more information regarding the Soap Box Derby, visit driving4kids.com or aasbd.org