‘See the Super Kids once, and you fall in love’: Wet weather doesn’t dampen first day of Quincy Derby

QUINCY — Not the on-again, off-again drizzles that persisted most of the day, nor the occasional cloudburst that drenched all who were near the 18th Street Hill in the shadow of Bob Mays Park, could water down the feel-good atmosphere that permeated the 10th annual Super Kids Derby on Friday.

Not even the fact it was Friday the 13th.

The annual event allows people with intellectual and/or physical limitations to showcase their abilities in what was once called the soap box derby.

“I see the excitement in their eyes,” said Michael Foster, who deals with orientation and mobility as one of the directors at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) in Jacksonville. “This event provides them with a kind of independence and allows for interaction with other children.”

Ninety-four Super Kids were on hand, arriving from across West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. They competed in four separate divisions, riding with “buddy drivers” who handled the steering in the event sponsored by the Optimist Club of Quincy. 

The Super Kids laughed, giggled and smiled. Oh, how they smiled. Again, again and again.

“I look so forward to this event every year,” said Mike Goodwin of Home Depot, a longtime sponsor of both the Super Kids and the Quincy Derby. “For me, the Super Kids races are the most impactful part of the derby. This is so rewarding. Today was amazing, it is always amazing. I feel it is important to give back to the community, and this is the perfect vehicle.”

Ray Wilson, in his 14th year as coordinator of the Quincy and Super Kids derbies, said he never gave the weather a second thought going into Saturday. Nothing, he emphasized, would halt the Super Kids’ day.

“We were planning to race, rain or shine,” he said. “All you have to do is see the Super Kids once, and you fall in love. You’re hooked for life. This event means so much to them, and if the truth be known, it probably means more to those who help put it on.”

One of the most popular Super Kids during their first decade as part of the Quincy Derby has been Jacob Ohnemus, who was inducted Saturday into the event’s hall of fame for his over-the-top spirit, kindness and on-track success. His last year as a competitor was 2024, but he was on hand Saturday assisting with numerous duties, including serving as a starter for several races.

“Jacob embodies what the Super Kids are all about,” Wilson said. “You can’t help but feel good after being around him.”

Jacob “retired” as a racer among the career victory leaders with 19, and his 9-2 mark in last year’s competition established a record for most wins in a single event.

“Just to see the joy on the faces of the kids who are here for the first time is such a wonderful thing,” said Ken Mansell, who taught in Quincy for 30 years and is now an administrator at Jacksonville ISVI. “The kids who are here for the first time had been told by (their classmates) what a great time this is. It’s about the kids, it’s always about the kids … I love what I am able to do.”

Champions crowned

Four Super Kids champions were crowned Saturday, including three who fashioned undefeated records in the double-elimination format. America Alvarado Del Toro went 6-0 in her division, Kolby Hays posted a 5-0 mark in his bracket and Noah Lenane went 4-0 in his section. Ruth Wilbur was 6-1 in her competition.

Nine former champions competed this year, but only one finished on the medal stand. Eli Cissna earned a third-place finish.

Among this year’s entries was Jack Crickard, who won the inaugural Super Kids event in 2015 when it was just one 21-driver division. Crickard had not competed in eight years but came out of retirement to post a 3-2 finish.

Thirty-four Super Kids have been crowned champions, and there has yet to be a two-time winner. Career victory leaders in the Super Kids division are Alaina Obert (24-16), Nathan Martin (20-11), Zaakir Brooks (20-13), Jacob Ohnemus (19-16), Michael Cornett (18-13), Matthew Hess (18-14) and Hope Fierge (18-14).

Dis-n-data

• Action continues Sunday with the 21st annual Super Stock and Stock competitions, plus the sixth annual Masters Elite races. Those three divisions will feature a combined 135 drivers. The weekend car count for the overall derby is 229 racers, the second-most ever. Only the 237 competitors in 2024 represent more. The derby has attracted 200-plus racers six times in the last eight years.
• Providing invocations Saturday were the Rev. Paul Lesupati and the Rev. Leo Enlow of St. Peter Catholic Church, plus Mark McDowell, principal at Quincy Notre Dame High School.
• Singing the national anthem was Ella Cain, a freshman-to-be at Quincy High School.