The first time was the charm Saturday for the two winners in the 41st annual Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby.
It was the first time the stock and super stock winners, Jacob O'Toole and Bryce Gonzalez, raced down Laurel Boulevard from Seventh to Second streets in their respectful divisions. Both winners will now compete against other racers from all over the world in the weeklong All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship starting July 20 in Akron, Ohio.
O'Toole, 9, of Schuylkill Haven, won the super stock division Saturday.
"I like having fun," he said.
There were more than 31 racers from ages 7 to 18.
O'Toole won the stock division last year in what was his first time participating in a soap box race. As winner of that division last year, O'Toole was required to move up to super stock for this year's race.
"He knows how to drive that car," his father, Mark O'Toole, Pottsville, said.
His next race will now have to be in the rally division, which is not a part of the annual Pottsville races. However, Jacob O'Toole is determined to continue racing.
"Next year, we are doing rally," he told his father.
His mother, Melinda O'Toole, Schuylkill Haven, said they had a great time when they went to the races in Ohio last year.
"It's a once in a lifetime event for the kids," she said.
Gonzalez, 12, of Port Carbon, won the stock division in his first outing. Gonzalez said his friends have been racing for years.
"It seemed really cool," he said.
M&T Bank has sponsored the event the last 12 years. The Pottsville Auto Parts Store, Pottsville, sponsored the stock division while Sommer Inc. and Womer's Garage, Pottsville, sponsored the super stock division.
For more information on the world championship, visit the All-American Soap Box Derby website at www.aasbd.org.