Competition prevails for 6-year-olds

The 6-year-old division in Soap Box Derby racing, sponsored by the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department, has been extremely competitive.

A new racer, Kyle Gilbert beat Sydney Johnson twice as he drove his way to victory Saturday in the Brainerd Area Civic Center parking lot. Gilbert lost the first race to Kenny Ponthieux and had to fight back through the loser's bracket for the championship.

Johnson came through the winner's bracket, beating Tanner Harris in her first race and beat Harris' twin brother Tate in the next race to face Gilbert.

Kenny Ponthieux won the consolation championship.

In the 7-8-year-old division, Dan Murray took home the gold, defeating Kristin Ponthieux for the championship. Ponthieux was defeated by Murray in the quarterfinals. Ponthieux had beaten Morgan Gilbert and Taya Persons to race Murray.

Murray sent Taya Person and Kristen Ponthieux to the losers' bracket and there she beat Persons for another chance at Murray.

Morgan Gilbert was the consolation champion.

The 9-10-year-old race saw twins Adam and Sara Kleist race against each other for the championship. Sara raced Ben Wasson, Adam Kleist and Jade Smith for another chance at her twin brother. Adam raced Smith and Wasson for another chance at Sara, who came out with zero losses.

Jade Smith won the consolation championship.

In the 11-and-up division, Willie Britton took home his first championship, beating Trevina Newcomer and Trevor Lossow.

The next race will be Aug. 22 in the civic center parking lot. Competitors must be preregistered to race.