VENTURA : Boy, 8, Places 5th in Soapbox Derby

An 8-year-old Ventura boy, a third-generation soapbox derby racer, took fifth place in the junior division of the National Derby Rally in Omaha, Neb.

Jonathon Morse was also named Rookie of the Year during the annual weeklong event that ended Saturday, said his father, Chris Morse.

It was Jonathon’s first year of racing.

Jonathon placed fifth among 96 children, ages 8 to 16.

He also placed fifth out of a field of 29 in another division in which the young racers built their cars themselves.