updated 8:46 p.m. ET July 26, 2008

AKRON, Ohio - Girls had their most dominant showing in the history of the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, winning five of six individual titles for the first time and sweeping the three major divisions for only the second time.

The performances came during the 71st year of the grand prix of gravity-powered racing in Akron. A record 606 finalists from 160 cities and six nations competed.

Courtney Rayle, representing Washington, D.C., and one month shy of her 17th birthday, became the oldest champion in the Masters Division.

“It was the lucky number seven that did it,” Rayle said after winning on her seventh and final try in the finals at Derby Downs. “My seventh time and I had car No. 73 in the 71st race. I’ll never forget any of it.”

Johanna Barnowski drove to victory in the Stock Division, giving Akron its record 14th individual champion, and Haley Beitel of Tullahoma, Tenn., won the Super Stock Division.

Megan Newcomer of Danville, Ind., won the Rally Stock; Caitlin Smith of Federalsburg, Md., was the Rally Super Stock champion and Brandon Feagan, a 15-year-old racer from Richardsville, Va., was the lone boys champion, winning the Rally Masters Division.

“We needed one of us guys to come through,” said Feagan, adding that the experience of being in the finals for the second consecutive year helped him.

MORE FROM OTHER SPORTS

Other sports Section Front

Decorated veteran goes for Paralympics gold   Du Toit 1st flag bearer in Olympics, Paralympics Marion Jones released from federal prison Bolt starts slow, but beats Powell anyway Two Olympic hammer throw medalists test positive IAAF wants 'drunk' Russian jumper to explain Cyclists want apology from USOC over mask flap Phelps supports Chicago's Olympics bid   Video: From sports anchor to vice president? Sorting out presidential candidates' sports ties Other sports Section Front   Add Other sports headlines to your news reader: