The Local Race of the All American Soap Box Derby was held Saturday, June 4, 2005 and for Heidi Seabaugh and Kyle Partello both sponsored by Metro Atlanta Ambulance, it came down to a matter of seconds.
The Kiwanis Club of Marietta hosted the local race of the All American Soap Box Derby in the Parking lot of Marietta High School in Marietta, GA.. More than 32 racers competed for the opportunity to represent the greater Atlanta area in the All American Soap Box Derby Championships in Akron, OH on July 30, 2005 where more than 500 kids from all over the world will compete for the title of World Champion.
After winning 14 races and 9 heats, it came down to one race for Kyle Partello and his competitor Heidi Seabaugh. The fathers of Kyle and Heidi are both employees of Metro Atlanta Ambulance, which also made for an exciting showdown and bragging rights at the water cooler. At the end of the day, Heidi Seabaugh crossed the finish line .070 seconds before Kyle Partello to win the Championship but both came away winners as did all the racers.
The All American Soap Box Derby was established in 1932 in Dayton, OH and was moved to Akron in 1935 where it has been ever since. It has been titled "The Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World" and is a recognized Youth Initiative of NASCAR/ Local Soap Box Derby Races are held in more than 406 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Heidi Seabaugh will go to Akron, OH in July to race in the All American Soap Box Derby World Championship against the best Soap Box racers in the world. Kyle's father, Mitch Partello stated, "We had a great time building the car together and it was an awesome experience for me and my wife to watch our son have such and exciting day. I appreciate Pete Quinones and MetroAtlanta Ambulance for sponsoring the car and we will definitely be back next year ready to rumble."