Racer from North Jackson almost makes finals in Akron

A local racer nearly advanced to the finals in his division in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron.
Jarrod Shook, 14, of North Jackson won his first two heats in races Saturday. He needed to win one more to advance to the finals in the rally super stock division. He finished in the top nine of the 48-racer field.
He was among nine area racers who advanced to the international competition by winning a local derby.
Brooke Shaffer, 14, of Mineral Ridge received the Chairman's Award at the Akron derby. Jeff Iula, derby manager, said she was honored for the way she handled herself and related to other drivers.
Also, Youngstown received one of three awards for Best Race City. There were 165 cities that staged qualifying races.
Alexandria Terrigno, 13, of Canfield won one heat in the metro super stock division.
Other racers who competed and their divisions were: Loralei Gallaher, 14, of Beaver Falls, Pa., masters; Jamie Berndt, 14, of Canfield, suburban super stock; McKenzie Shaffer, 10, of Mineral Ridge, rally stock; T.J. Takacs, 13, of New Castle, Pa., super stock; and Marissa Mroczynsk, 9, of New Castle, stock.
Results were not available Saturday night for these racers: Anthony Bowell, 12, of Youngstown, metro stock; and Brooke Shaffer, suburban stock.