Soap Box Derby racers in Mansfield get help on Builder\'s Day

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"It's going to say, 'Flame Head,' " the 9-year- old Marengoresident proudly said.
The youngster removed his white ball cap to reveal a long, blondMohawk. His mother said she was letting him dye it red for his yearracing in the derby.
"I'm just looking forward to going down the hill," he said. "Ithink I'll probably do pretty good."
The Barkers joined other families and board members Sunday atWeidner Motors for Builder's Day in anticipation of this summer'sevent.
"We have a number of families -- moms, dads, grandparents --working out here today," derby director Chuck Ridenour said. "Wealso have a bunch of experienced derby people here to help. I thinkwe've got two cars we're building from scratch and then three carsthat we're just updating. "
Paul Heydinger, 11, of Tiro, said he brought his racer for aninspection.
"My brother did it a couple years ago, so I just thought it wouldbe fun," he said after passing. "We got a new car and then fixed itup, and today we just wanted to get it inspected by theinspectors."
Bits & Bytes owner Martha Sayers is a long-time derby enthusiast.
"My brother and his son, Devon, started racing first and afterwatching them it just seemed like a fun thing to do," she said. "Sothen when my niece wanted to race, I said, 'Let's go for it.' "
Thirteen years later, Sayers is still involved.
"We started out with one car and now I sponsor four," she said."Even if it isn't for your own child, if you can mentor a child,you should.
"It teaches sportsmanship, sharing and it teaches kids thateveryone is a winner. I'm proud of every child that I'vesponsored."
Although he wasn't racing, John Powell-Fort, 7, and his fatherstopped a few times during the day to observe.
"We came to see if he could race this year, but he's a half of ayear too young," said his father, John Fort of Ashland. "We watchedlast year and thought it seemed like fun. They said, come out tobuilder's day and you can get first-hand building experience, so wecame."
With the help of both parents and board member Bud Klopfenstein,Tyler Littleton, 11, replaced the floor board on his new superstock car.
"All my friends at school are racing and I thought it sounded likefun," Tyler said. "I've been stretching a lot so I can squeeze downin the car."
When asked how he might fare this year, he replied, "OK, I think."
"You're supposed to say you're going to win," his mother Crystalsaid with a laugh.
"Oh yeah," Tyler said.
Up next for the North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby calendar is thetrial run, which will be 1 to 4 p.m. June 8 on the LexingtonIndustrial Drive hill.
jkinton@nncogannett.com 419-521-7220