Soap box derby has special meaning; Special needs kids can ride in race


By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

SHARON —
Every time Pam Dorfi sees it, she cries.


And, every time the Hermitage woman sees it, it reaffirms what she’s doing.

The video shows last summer’s soap box derby race in New Castle, where special needs children got to ride in the pint-sized autos with derby participants.

“Those kids never smiled so much as they did coming down that hill,” said Ms. Dorfi, who is organizing a derby on behalf of Sharon Elks Lodge 103 for special needs kids.

The Greater Pennsylvania Super Kids will be held June 28 on East State Street in Sharon. Registration is free.

Although the race is designed for fun and to give the kids a chance to do something they probably would not otherwise get to do, it falls under the rules of the All-American Soap Box Derby. The winner will get to compete at the All-American Rally Championship July 26 in Akron, Ohio.

Ms. Dorfi has helped out at races in New Castle the last three years, and recruited riders through a home nursing program for special needs children that the Elks raise money for.

Unlike with the regular derby, the special needs kids do not drive. They are strapped in to ride with experienced derby drivers.

While the program is new to Mercer County, Ms. Dorfi has found a large pool of people willing to help pull it off. Sharon Mayor Bob Lucas offered the city’s help and pulled in the Shenango Valley Foundation, which set up a fund and has helped with fundraising, and Harry P. Nemenz of Save-A-Lot, Sharon, which has signed on as corporate sponsor.

Derek Fitzgerald of Zero Error Racing Inc., Sharon, donated three derby cars and is making the starting gate, and Bruce Hunsicker of Akron, who is on the national board, is rounding up trained drivers and has provided organizational advice.

“It’s really taking off,” Ms. Dorfi said. “Everything has just pulled together. I’ve had so many people call and say, ‘I heard about this. What can I do to help?’ ”

The race, which will be insured, will start at 1 p.m., following a parade, and State Street will be blocked off between Forker Boulevard and Stambaugh Avenue. Sharon High School’s handicapped accessible rest rooms will be open.

The derby will be a double elimination format.

“The kids will probably go down three or four times, not just once,” Ms. Dorfi said. “You can’t send these kids down that hill just once.”

The winner gets an all-expenses paid trip to Akron for the finals, including two nights in a hotel, meals and a ball game.

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Once more, Derek has come through for derby, this time the special needs kids. Thank you so very much for assisting the Sharon area for this event! BHH.

WILL THERE BE OTHER CARS AT THIS RACE ? MAYBE MAKE IT A RALLY WEEKEND IN SHARON PA FOR ALL THE KIDS.

With all do respect, The kids that this race is for only happens a few times a year. The kids that run in the other races have the oppurtunity to race just about every weekend some where. These kids deserve a race for them, to enjoy the thrill with out distraction of rally racing. I have been to many of these races over the years and have enjoyed seeing the smiles of joy that these kids have. Please don't misunderstand me, I enjoy seeing every kid enjoy this sport. Go out and enjoy the day with these great individuals and give 'em a hand, you'll have a great time.

Derek thanks for what you did, you have always stepped up to the plate.

JR.