Last weekend, the Paul Bates Raceway witnessed an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork as Culpeper County Public School (CCPS) students took on the Soap Box Derby Gravity Car Challenge. Amongst the spirited competitors, CCPS teams showcased their ingenuity and dedication while making memories at this special event.
At Emerald Hill, Team Eagle Force and Team Eagle Squad showcased remarkable prowess. In a field of seven other stock cars, Team Eagle Force, led by driver Preston Budd and accompanied by Layla Bragg, Zachary Preston, Sadie Williams, and Micah Lacey, soared to a commendable 2nd place. Meanwhile, Team Eagle Squad, with driver Landon Coker and teammates Oliver Ferreira, Aiden Smith, and Camden Cox, secured a respectable 4th place. Sadie Williams further distinguished herself by clinching the 6th position in the mini-car challenge, outshining over 30 competitors. Their collaborative efforts in crafting and mastering their derby cars underscored their commitment to excellence. Congratulations to the Eagles for their outstanding performance!
Not far behind, at Sycamore Park, The Pink Panthers, CCPS's Soap Box Derby team, exhibited remarkable skill and camaraderie. Samantha Joiner, piloting the stock car, clinched a commendable 5th place, while Perla Amaya, in the Super Stock division, secured a laudable 3rd place. The team's dedication was evident as they dedicated countless hours after school every Wednesday to design, paint, and test their cars. Their passion and sportsmanship drew admiration from volunteers, parents, and rival teams alike. Samantha Joiner's decision to continue her Soap Box Derby journey in the upcoming local rally in June reflects the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie nurtured within CCPS.
Additionally, the Farmington Flyers soared to victory in the stock car division, clinching first place. Led by driver Jack Peretin and supported by Morgan Taylor, Kevin Michel, Aiden Stevens, Rhys Hurley, Iker Salas, Marvin Guevara, and Enrique Perez, the Flyers showcased exceptional teamwork and determination. Marvin Guevara further distinguished himself by securing 7th place in the mini-car challenge, adding to the team's accolades.
Meanwhile, at CCHS, Johnathan Johnson exemplified Blue Devil Pride by clinching first place in the open class division of the Soap Box Derby Gravity Racing Challenge. In addition, CCHS student Isaiah Williams took home 2nd place for BSA troop 550.
As the engines roar and the wheels turn, CCPS students continue to carve their path to success, propelled by passion, teamwork, and unwavering determination. Their achievements not only reflect individual prowess but also embody the collective spirit of excellence ingrained within Culpeper County Public Schools. Congratulations to all participants for their remarkable achievements, and may their journey ahead be filled with continued success and triumphs on and off the race track.