Portsmouth Soapbox Derby Champions Cassidy Book of the stock division and Drew Cassidy of the super stock division along with over 500 racers from 45 states and six countries competed in Akron on July 23 in the World Championships.

Cassidy Book, the 12-year-old daughter of Todd and Emily Book, finished 6th out of the 112 racers in her division.

"When I made it into the final nine, I knew I was going to win a trophy," Book said. "I was very excited."

On her way to the sixth place finish, Book eliminated racers from Alaska, California, Rhode Island and Washington D.C.

"It is stiff competition in Akron," Book said, "I am very happy to have finished in the top six."

Drew Cassidy, the 11-year-old son of Amy and Dan Cassidy, finished in the top 18 of the 110 racers in the super stock division.

Cassidy eliminated racers from Pennsylvania, California and New York on his way to a strong finish.

"I learned from last year that you have to be a good driver and have a little luck to be successful in Akron," Cassidy said. "I am happy with the results."

In preparation for the race, the Portsmouth natives spent the week in Akron taking practice runs on the hill, fine tuning their cars and meeting with other racers from around the country.

The Civic Forum conducts the Local Soap Box Race in the Spring of each year. The local winners qualify to compete in Akron. After a long hiatus, this is the third year for the local race.

The Portsmouth local produced one World Champion, Howie Fraley, in 1981.