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Elliott Teen Wins All-American Soap Box Derby

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -She isn't old enough to drive a car just yet, but a local girl is being praised for her skills out on the road.

The 13-year-old took the top spot at the First-Energy All-American Soap Box Derby in Ohio.

It is a moment Macaila Ziolowski will never forget.

Over the weekend, she beat out several other kids to become champion in the stock division at the 76th Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

What started off as a just a hobby has turned into a whole lot more for the 13-year-old from the Elliott neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

She never imagined winning it all at the competition.

Her proud father, Donald, was pretty stunned as well.

"There's not a lot of practice time involved in this type of sport like the other sports that she does, she does put a good amount of time in," Donald said.

Besides the title, Macaila won a big trophy, a gold ring, a bright yellow racing jacket and a $3,000 college scholarship.

She said she plans to continue racing keeping her keys to success in mind.

"Probably keep your eyes at the end of the course and its pretty easy," Macaila said. "Be careful what you do."

"Anything competitive, something to keep the kids busy, keep them doing good things. It's always fun." Donald said.

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