Chapman takes third in the Super Stock rally division

Michael Beaven, Sports Correspondent
Published: July 26, 2008

AKRON, Ohio — Hunter B. Chapman V entered Saturday’s 71st All-American Soap Box Derby with experience in Akron, Ohio, yet was lacking a single victory at Derby Downs.

Chapman remedied that problem by winning three separate heats and then finishing in third place in the Rally Super Stock division.

“I had never won my first heat before,” said Chapman, who was making his third appearance in Akron. “Paul Bates Sr. took us rallying all year long. He spent a lot of money on gas and a lot of his time, but it was well worth it because this is an awesome feeling.”

Chapman, 15, had a cheering section that included: his parents, Hunter IV and Lisa, grandparents Hunter III and Ramona and brothers Jacob, Lewis and Zachary.

Chapman’s siblings Michelle, Lauren and Miguel could not make it to Akron.

Scholarship Money
Brandon Feagan earned a $3,500 college scholarship for placing first in the Rally Masters division. Hunter B. Chapman V won a $2,000 college scholarship for this third place finish in the Rally Super Stock division.

Second Theme
Five of the seven competitors from the Culpeper area placed second in their first heat and were eliminated from the event.

The five were: Kaleb Marshall (9 years old, Stock division), Austin Hickman (13, Super Stock), Quinn-Lynn Bates (12, Masters), Jason Smith (10, Rally Stock) and Amanda Halsey (15, Rally Masters). Halsey is a member of the 200-point club.

Following big brother
Kaleb Marshall and Quinn-Lynn Bates followed in the footsteps of their older brothers by competing in the derby.

Kaleb’s brother, Kyle Willis, competed in Akron in 2004. Marshall was also joined by: parents Keith and Deanne, sister Kassidy and grandmother Barbara Sefton.

“I wasn’t too impressed by how did today,” said Kaleb Marshall, who was excited about the dirt bike his father Keith recently purchased him. “The Akron baseball game was the most exciting part. They (a player) threw me a ball and I caught it.”

Quinn-Lynn’s brother, Treavor, competed in Akron in 2003. Bates was also joined by: parents Paul and Donna Bates, grandparents Joan Andes and Paul and Mickey Bates and aunt Lorie Andes.

“I was kind of sad I didn’t win, but it turned out okay,” Quinn-Lynn Bates said. “It’s been an amazing trip. We have done a lot of stuff. We went to the amusement park Cedar Point and rode roller coasters, the Akron Aeros baseball game and Harry London Chocolate Factory. I love chocolate.”