Paradise Concrete wins fourth annual Bel Air Town Derby; Miracle League "super racers" highlighted

Paradise Concrete’s driver Mia won first place at the fourth annual Bel Air Town Derby on Main Street in Bel Air, organizers announced at the conclusion of the single-elimination finals. Holly Smith (Smith family, car No. 27) finished second and Elena, driving for Corbin Fuel, placed third.

The event — organized by the Bel Air Lions Club in partnership with the town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance — drew 31 competing cars, a marked increase in participation since the derby’s revival in late 2023. "We've been so fortunate for the amazing growth of this event from 10 cars in October 2023 to 31 cars racing today," said Dave Gazaych, chair of the Bel Air Town Derby.

Mayor Paula Edding, who gave brief opening remarks, thanked volunteers and urged safe cheering: "Let's race safely, cheer loudly, and most of all, have fun," she said. Organizers reminded spectators that hay bales are in place for driver safety and asked people to keep the course clear during heats.

A notable element this year was the inclusion of four "super racers" from the Miracle League of Harford County who rode in adapted two-person cars with copilots. The derby presented a $500 donation to the Ohio Valley Super Kids Racing Organization for loaning vehicles used by the super racers. Tom Walls, representing the Miracle League, described the program’s participants and its accessibility efforts.

Emcees and announcers kept a family-oriented tone throughout the day, profiling racers' ages and schools and calling dozens of heats as the competition moved from preliminary rounds into single-elimination brackets. Organizers and volunteers handled timing and safety; announcers paused briefly when officials reviewed a lane-crossing technicality and when debris was cleared from the roadway.

Sponsors and community partners played a visible role: Deer Creek Exteriors served as title sponsor, Tri State Trophies supplied commemorative plaques, Copper Mine Bel Air Athletic Club was the winner’s circle sponsor, and Musicland provided the event’s PA system. Hartford TV taped the derby for viewers who could not attend.

Organizers closed the event with trophy presentations and several special awards, including a children’s pick for "coolest car." "Everybody, round of applause for our 20 26 winners," the emcees said as they invited winners to the podium. The organizers thanked volunteers, sponsors and the Bel Air community and said they look forward to next year’s event.