The Neely brothers return to Calhoun after the Derby
Kurtis and Preston Neely raced in the 73rd International All American Soap Box Derby at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio July 23-24.
The Neely brothers are the sons of Ronald and Christina Neely of Upper Nicut.
This was Preston's 3rd year racing in the Super Kids Classic race, with 70 kids competing on Friday, hoping to make the top 6 to race in
the All American race on Saturday.
Preston and his co-driver, with
heads down preparing for the start
Preston before and after the race
Preston said he had a really good race day, getting 4 byes advancing him closer to the top 8. However, he came up short, getting
beat twice. He came home with a trophy and a medallion for racing "The Thrill of the Hill."
His mother, Chris said Preston enjoyed seeing old, and meeting new friends from all over the US and Canada. He loves racing in the Derby and hopes to be the National Champ and bring home the "big" trophy someday.
Kurt and his father, Ron (in blue) waiting to go on a test run
This was Kurt's 1st time racing in the All American Derby.
There were 480 kids racing among the Stock, Super Stock,
Masters and Ultimate Speed divisions.
The All American race requires racers to begin
on Monday with registration, a police escort through the streets of Akron with introductions and finish assembling their cars for inspection.
Kurt received a VIP for the week, which allowed him to go 1st daily during car clinics and practice runs. His day started at the track at 7:30 a.m. and usually finished at 10:30 a.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday he checked and adjusted the weights on his
car and had 2 practice runs down the hill. On Wednesday he selected a box of 4 wheels that would be used on race day.
Kurt selects wheels for his race car
Kurt readies his car in the pit
During the week 480 cars were stored and guarded by Akron police officers around the clock. Only racers and car handlers were allowed in the pit area during specified times. Kurt's car handler was his dad.
The Neelys spent many hours during the week waiting in line in the hot sun. On Friday, Kurt spent the day cheering-on his brother and getting ready for Saturday's big day. Kurt's race day started at the track at 6:15 a.m. with weigh-ins and a parade with all
racers lead down the track by the Akron Motor Court.
The race began at 9:00 a.m. with the Stock division with 117 kids competing. His 1st race was against racers from Indiana and New York. Kurt won the race advancing him to round two. His second race was against a competitor from Tennessee with Kurt winning and advancing to round three. By the beginning of round three the field of competitors had been cut from 117 to 18 racers trying for the final nine places.
Kurt's 3rd race was against a racer from New York with Kurt falling a little short of the win. He finished his 1st International All American Soap Box Derby race somewhere between lOth-18th place.
An awards ceremony at Akron University concluded the event.
Kurt enjoyed racing his stock car in Akron. It will be an event that he will always remember and hopes to go back two more times, in his Super Stock and Masters cars. He enjoyed meeting new friends from all over the world and hopes to become a world champion in the future.
The Soap Box Derby is a Neely family affair
Actor Corbin Bernsen was at the track during race week, filming his new movie "25 Hill," which will promote the All American Soap Box Derby. The film will be released July 2011. The Neely boys were filmed several times during the week so look for them next
July.
Visit www.aasbd.org and check out the
movie clips, Super Kids Classic race, heat sheets and pictures of the week.
Kurt will race Saturday, August 7, in Columbus, Ohio at the 15th annual Buck&eer Region VI Championship Race at Big Run Park, where 100 racers are expected to compete. He will race his Stock car one last time hoping to become the Buck&eer Champ.
Kurt's new race season begins next month where he will race in his Super Stock car.
Ron and Chris Neely and the boys would like to thank Patty Hicks, Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby Association, Doug Holt
Photography, Ron Lane Pipeline, Inc., Houchin Construction, Garrett's Used Cars & Trucks, Doug and Joan Stull, Stump Funeral Home, Roebuck Agency, LLC, Rogers & Son Oil & Gas, Gail and Donna Neely and the Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby Association Special
Division for helping to sponsor their Akron trip.
"It's people and businesses like you that allows us to race and do the things that we truly enjoy doing. May you be truly blessed
and thank you, Lord for allowing us this wonderful experience," say the Neelys.
See related story NEELY BOYS ARE AKRON BOUND | 
