A young man who we've all watched grow up on WHAS Crusade for Children is getting ready to take the national stage. Noah Stickler has gone from a child who had to use a walker, to performing with the Miracle Dancers. Now, Noah is to taking on the competition at this year's All American Soap Box Derby.
Noah Stickler is preparing to go to Akron, Ohio for the 73rd All American Soap Box Derby. Noah won that right by taking the top spot in Louisville's Super Kids Event.
Amanda Curby, who started Louisville’s Super Kids, with her husband last year, has been helping Noah and his mother, Debbie prepare for the crowds, the noise and the excitement. Curby explains, “We had seen the Super Kids races at Akron and they got us excited that we could help special needs kids get to race, too."
This is Noah's first look at what he'll be experiencing when he gets to Akron for next week's international event. Noah is excited about facing national competition, but he continues to focus on what got him interested in soap box racing the first place. He says "I like doing it just because of the thrill of going down the hill. Nothing stops you except a brake. That's how fast you're going."
However, while trying to keep his mind on the nuts and bolts of racing, Noah admits to getting a little caught up in the excitement. "It's going to be pretty big this year," he says.
The All American Soap Box Derby will kick off Monday in Akron. Noah and his family will go up for the banquet on Thursday where he'll receive his champions’ helmet and goggles. Noah says he hopes that his trip to Akron will create excitement in Louisville and help the Curbys to create a soap box derby track right there.
