For the fourth year, Socket has sponsored a car in the Downtown Optimist Club’s Mid Missouri Soapbox Derby. This year, Socket was one of the top sponsors alongside other local businesses such as Veteran’s United.
 
Socket’s Soap Box was designed by Tia Stratman and Eleanor Tiefenbrun and was driven by Michael Connon. The effort was headed by Socketeer Josh Connon, Crew Chief.
 
Josh and Michael got interested in the Derby when Michael was only eight years old. At the time, a co-worker had broached the idea to Josh about a Socket team. After gathering some more information, Josh spoke with Socket co-owner Carson Coffman about sponsoring a car.
 
Fast-Forward four years. It’s Sunday. June 9^th. Michael is in the zone; hands on the wheel, head bent forwards. And they’re off. Neck-and-neck, fender-to-fender, the cars battle it out on Broadway, between 7^th and Providence. As the race comes to a close, Michael launches past the finish line, placing 5^th out of 18 participants in the Super-Stock division.
 
Congratulations Michael and Josh!