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Tales form the track feature family, hope

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Beacon Journal staff writers

Family and community came together this week to celebrate the All-American Soap Box Derby, where a financially strapped family found help and another rooted in racing continued the tradition.

Following a Wednesday story in the Beacon Journal, which featured local Akron champ Christian Viering, dozens of readers offered support in any way they could.

“I think it’s amazing that so many people came to help us,” said Christian.

Some gave money. Some offered future sponsorships. Some gave best wishes.

Mayor Don Plusquellic and state Sen. Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) met the 13-year-old boy. Christian said the dignitaries wished him safety, success and dry weather.

After steady rain and a first-round elimination, Christian still has his health. And he said he’ll be back next year, with the support of the community.

Christian’s mother, Lisa, was also appreciative.

“He’s kind of taken aback by all the [sponsorship] offers,” she said.

Lisa Viering had been struggling with family medical bills. Other derby parents had come to her aid in the past, but money was tight.

Christian isn’t alone, though.

“There are a lot of other kids out there that need it, too,” Lisa Viering said.

About half of the 90 local racers don’t have sponsors, said Akron derby coordinator Jeff Iula.

The generous outpouring for the Vierings has reached some of those other racers as well. And the attention can’t hurt, Lisa Viering and derby officials said.

“It’s going to draw some more people to the derby,” she said, encouraging the public to continue its support of Akron’s pastime.

Anyone seeking to sponsor a local racer should contact Jeff Iula at 330-715-1492.

Racing roots for 66 years

David and Cheyenne Wilt, both 16 of Akron, have derby fever racing through their veins. The Wilts come from a family involved in racing for 66 years.

Their grandfather, Ed Harmon, also known by many at the derby as “Grandpa,” began competing in 1947. His passion for racing has spread to more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David and Cheyenne’s passion for the derby began at an early age, watching their older siblings compete.

“When I was younger I watched my older brothers Peter and Christopher race and when I turned 8 years old I got my chance to try,” said David.

David is the 2012 National Super Kids Classic winner and returned to compete again this year. He plans to enter into the masters division when he is eligible and has experience racing the masters’ cars.

Their grandfather and family have contributed many cars and funding to their racing careers.

Harmon customized a joy stick steering wheel for Cheyenne, who was born with arthrogryposis, a neuro-musculo-skeletal disorder, said Linda Wilt, the mother of David and Cheyenne.

Cheyenne has competed in the Super Kids, Stock Rally and Super Stock Rally divisions at both local races and the All-American. She finished fourth Saturday in the Rally Super Stock division.

“I got interested in racing because of my grandpa and watching my siblings and cousins race. My grandpa and I began to work on my car together,” said Cheyenne.

She is in her last year of eligibility as a Super Stock Rally competitor and is considering entering into the Masters division.

“All of my kids have raced,” says Linda Wilt. “The fun of racing is about getting to meet new people and make new friends.”

There goes “Speed Mayor”

The All-American also held the first Corporate World Championship. The race featured professionals from the Akron area, including politicians, business persons and soap box sponsors. Mayor Don Plusquellic, racing for Akron, took the top spot in that race.

And in the Ultimate Speed division — featuring faster, sleek and more original cars — Anne Taylor of Pearson, Neb., took first place among 12 drivers.

Rain, rain keeps them away

Attendance slumped this year as a steady rain did not let up until late afternoon. With more than 15,000 seats filled in recent years, only 8,500 patrons attended Saturday.

Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3302 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com.


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