KANNAPOLIS ó The competition was stiff among the 50 vegetable-laden race cars that entered the first-ever Zucchini 500 June 25 at the N.C. Research Campus Farmers Market.
The event, hosted by N.C. State University and N.C. Cooperative Extension, featured five prize categories for two age groups. Judges added a category to recognize the most creative scientific theme of one entry.
Each child who participated received a free sundae from Bruster’s Ice Cream and a fruit-themed stuffed animal from the Dole Food Co.
Winners of the five prize categories each received two tickets to the Summer Shootout Series from Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The winner of the fastest car was determined by race heats down a 16-foot, pinewood derby track.
Other categories were judged by Jay White, chairman of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Mary Grace, senior researcher at N.C. State’s Plants for Human Health Institute; and Renee Goodnight, community outreach coordinator for the city of Kannapolis.
The winners were as follows:
– Age 9 & underOverall Creative: 1st, Abi Pepin and Zach Pepin (tie); 2nd Patrick Veazie.
Best School Spirit: 1st, Kennedy Kirkman; 2nd, Alex Acosta.
Best NASCAR Theme: 1st, John Llanio; 2nd, Jacob Rinker.
Most Nutritious: 1st, Kevin Stegall and Carly Stegall (collaboration); 2nd, Austin Coppedge.
Fastest: 1st, Sloan Blinsink.
– Age 10 & upOverall Creative: 1st, Cristal Galicia.
Best School Spirit: 1st, Conlyn Pattison; 2nd, Rebecca Brickner.
Best NASCAR Theme: 1st, Alexa Blalock; 2nd, Matthew Cline.
Most Nutritious: 1st, Megan Brickner; 2nd, Jordan Crayton.
Fastest: 1st, Matthew Cline.
Most Creative Scientific: 1st, Leon Jia.