Mansell says ‘it’s hard to put into words’ what Quincy Derby means to Super Kids participants

QUINCY — They did more Tuesday than merely honor the on-track accomplishments of this year’s winners of the 21st Quincy Derby.

They honored the spirit.

The champions and their families were the guests at the annual derby banquet, hosted by event organizers from the Optimist Club of Quincy inside the Madison Park Christian Church Annex. 

Included among the award winners who were feted were the champions of the Super Kids portion of the derby, those participants who have intellectual and/or physical handicaps who take part in their own competition. 

“It’s hard to put into words what (the derby) does for these kids,” said Ken Mansell, who taught in Quincy for 30 years and is now an administrator at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville. “It’s a priceless feeling. It’s a true highlight for these kids to be able to take part in something like this. There is such great support for the kids at this event, and they know the derby is their time.”

Champions honored at the banquet were Kalli Mullen (Super Stock), Payton Oliver (Stock) and Audrey Robison (Masters Elite), plus Super Kids winners America Alvarado Del Toro, Kolby Hays, Noah Lenane and Ruth Wilbur.

Mullen was singled out for winning her third straight Super Stock championship and fifth overall derby title. Mullen’s career victory total stands at 72, eclipsing the former record of 66 held by Jadyn Vogel, who retired from the Grand Prix of Gravity following 2022 with a 66-20 lifetime record. Mullen now stands 72-20 with a career winning percentage of .783, which is also No. 1 in derby annals.

“Kalli will probably smash all derby records by the time she’s through,” meet director Ray Wilson said.

The 16-year-old Mullen has one year of derby eligibility remaining and confirmed Tuesday she plans on racing next year.

Robison, 13, who placed in the top three of Super Stock, Stock and Masters Elite, posted the most wins (18) and races (23) in one day in derby history. She will return in 2026.

“There were a lot of memorable moments this year,” said Matt Schmidt, an Optimist Club member who does the announcing for the derby and served as emcee at the banquet. “It’s not just thrilling for the kids but the parents, grandparents and others alike.”

Richard Johnson, who has been involved in a variety of duties with the derby since its early days, also addressed the turnout.

“I have enjoyed every minute,” he said. “I remember the first time Kalli went down Derby Hill. She turned to me and said, ‘That was cool!'”

Johnson said he especially enjoys the first day of derby competition each year, the time when the Super Kids stand front and center.

“That … is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

Aiden McDonnell of the Optimist Club, an assistant director of the event, told the crowd the 2026 derby will be June 19-20. The Super Kids will race on June 19, with the Super Stock, Stock and Masters Elite running June 20.

The derby’s annual Hero Award was presented to Birkey’s Farm Store of Quincy, which provided transportation for the cars and competitors in this year’s event. Other major sponsors included Quincy Medical Group, Right Rate Roofing, Advanced Dental Care, All of God’s Children, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Titan International and Kunes Honda and Hyundai of Quincy.