The Neely brothers, Preston (left) and
co-driver, Kurt at Kanawha Valley race
Eleven year old Preston Neely, with his 13 year old brother and co-driver, Kurtis took second place in the annual Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby Special Division race, June 6th at Little Creek Park in South Charleston.
Thirteen racers were paired with an experienced co-driver for the "The Thrill of the Hill" race, down a 980-foot hill. The cars exceed 35 mph on gravity feed. First, 2nd and 3rd place winners advance to the Super Kids Classic at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
The Neely brothers were sponsored by Baker's Mart and Neely's Farm.
Preston has participated in three Special Division races, winning 2nd place the past two years. He has met racers from all over the United States and Canada. He enjoys the event and loves to ride down the hill and win trophies. He will race at Derby Downs in Akron on July 23rd hoping to be among the top 6 finalists that will race in the All American Soap Box Derby Race on Saturday, July 24th.
Racer, Preston Neely
Preston says he is very thankful to represent West Virginia for the third time in the Super Kids Classic in Akron. Be sure to tune in to ESPN on the 24th and look for Preston in the Special Division cars.
Kurtis Neely was one of 33 racers who participated in the 73rd Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby All-American Race on June 12 at Little Creek Park.
Three cars are associated with the Soap Box Derby, Stock, Super Stock and Masters. These cars excel 35 mph on gravity feed. Winners advance to the All-American Soap Box Derby at Derby Downs.
Kurt Neely will compete for National title
Kurtis raced his 200 pound Stock car and was sponsored by Neely's Farm.
He was undefeated in the 12-car division advancing him to the overall winner of the Kanawha Valley All-American Soap Box Derby Race in his Stock division. By winning the local race he will compete in July at Derby Downs in Akron for the National title.
Kurt's 3rd All-American race win, came at the best time due to his last chance to win his Stock car title. He placed 8th in 2008 and 7th in 2009.
In addition to the Neely brothers 3 other racers from the Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby Association will compete at Derby Downs. Kurt has met and raced against racers from WV, KY, NC, SC, OR and VA while racing these past 3 years. He really enjoys racing his Stock car and hopes to race the next season in his Super Stock car in August. He is very thankful to have won this year and hopes to place in Derby Downs. His race will be Saturday, July 24. Please tune your televisions to ESPN and you might see Kurt coming down the big hill.
Their parents Ronald and Christina Neely of Upper Nicut are very proud of their boys' accomplishments. They have often stated, "Wouldn't it be great for both to come and race at Derby Downs."
The Neely's say, "Please say a prayer for them and thank you God for allowing our family to be so blessed." Their grandparents are Gail and Donna Neely of Upper Nicut, Doug and Joan Stull of Grantsville and great grandmother, Delta Bailey of Upper Nicut.
If you would like to sponsor Kurt or Preston and help with their expenses while in Akron, please send donations to Kurtis and Preston Neely, 1533 Upper Nicut Road, Chloe, WV 25235.
| 
