Joey Payeur
Fort Frances’ speedy sister-brother combination is heading south to heat up the U.S. Midwest concrete once again.
Marie-Mai and Yannick Langevin will return to Valley City, N.D. on Saturday to take another run at being the best in their class at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Region 4 championships.
It will be the fourth time competing in Valley City for Marie-Mai, 10, while nine-year-old Yannick will make his third appearance.
The older sibling is hungry to get back to the world championships in Akron, Ohio on July 16 after winning the Stocks division in Valley City two years ago as an eight-year old.
“I’m more confident this year,” said the soft-spoken Marie-Mai, now in her second season in the Super Stocks class that features drivers up to 18 years old.
“I figured out the perfect path to win the race on the slower track last year and so it should be easier to win this year on that track,” she reasoned.
“I think I can win it all this year,” she added. “I’m more comfortable in Super Stocks now.”
Yannick, meanwhile, is moving up to Super Stocks this season and confessed to mixed emotions.
“I’m excited but I’m scared, too,” he admitted.
“I’m only nine and some of these people will be 18 that are doing it.
“I will be racing against people who know more than me,” he added. “But my car will be ready.”
Once again, the duo’s individual cars will rival any other in Valley City when it comes to their artistic presentation.
Former Fort resident Todd Dolk, who now lives in Kenora, delivered another visually-striking paint job to the Langevins’ vehicles, which have some similarities and yet are stark contrasts of each other.
For example, with dad, Patrick Langevin, working out of the Emo Dental Clinic, images of cartoon teeth are all over each car.
However, Marie-Mai’s teeth all are smiling, good-natured creations while Yannick’s are bruised and battered—with each design heartily-approved by their respective drivers.
Each will be looking to take a bite out of their racing opponents when the green light flashes Saturday.
“The secret is to stay really low [in the car],” said Yannick.
“But you have to be able to see or you’ll lose the race.”
