Published 10:40 pm Tuesday, October 21, 2025
By News Messenger Staff
The competition was fierce this past weekend during the annual Cason Westmoreland Foundation Soap Box Derby, which raises money for scholarships.
The event in downtown Marshall is named in memory of Westmoreland, a 22-year- old Marshall man who died in a 2014 workshop explosion.
“This year’s derby introduced an exciting new twist: the debut of the Bullet Car Class, which added a faster, sleeker dynamic to the competition,” organizers said. “The new addition was a hit among both participants and onlookers, setting the stage for even more thrilling races in the years to come.
“In the end, Angela Person sped her way to victory in the Box Car Class, while Lane Elwood took the checkered flag in the inaugural Bullet Car Class.”
Person’s car was sponsored by DR Services and Sign Design. Elwood’s car was sponsored by Premier Fireworks. It’s the third consecutive win for Elwood.
“It’s all for a great cause,” said Randy Elwood, owner of Premier Fireworks and father of Lane.
“The annual event once again brought families, friends, and racing enthusiasts together for a day filled with friendly competition and heartfelt remembrance,” organizers said, describing how spectators lined the streets to cheer on racer.
During the event, dozens of competitors raced along Bolivar Street in the motorless cars.
“The foundation behind the derby continues its mission of honoring Cason’s legacy by funding multiple scholarships for area students each year,” organizers said.
Scott Westmoreland, father of Cason, said the Cason Westmoreland Foundation has raised more than $150,000 through the soap box derby. Other fundraisers include an annual chili cook-off held at Bear Creek Smokehouse and raffle tickets sold during the Wonderland of Lights festival.
The foundation has been able to award more than 50 $1,000 scholarships to students who wish to study forestry or agriculture, as Cason did.
As tires cooled and trophies were handed out Saturday, the sense of community spirit was the real winner of the day, organizers said.
“Laughter, cheers, and the buzz of excitement echoed through the streets, proving once again that the Cason Westmoreland Foundation Soap Box Derby is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of life, legacy, and local love,” organizers said.
This year’s sponsors were Bear Creek Smokehouse, Truelove Law Firm, DR Services, Sign Design, Sammy’s Golf Course, Premier Fireworks, Marshall Fire Department, Marshall Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Maverick Chevrolet, Marshall Ford, Smart Promo, Wray’s Auto, B&C Cleaners and Abney & Co.
“Special thanks to Brandon Smith, Hunter Shoults, Dwayne Ragsdale, Kelly Person, Tommy Maddox, James and Stacia Runnels, Scott Westmoreland and anyone that puts any effort to make this a successful fundraiser,” organizers said.
