Quincy Tuesday was more than just a celebration of the 21st Quincy Derby champions’ on-track achievements.
They paid respect to the spirit.
The Madison Park Christian Church Annex served as the venue for the Optimist Club of Quincy’s annual derby banquet, which was attended by the champions and their families.
The champions of the Super Kids division of the derby, which is for competitors with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, were among the honorees who received awards.
Ken Mansell, an administrator at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville and a 30-year Quincy teacher, said it’s difficult to describe what (the derby) does for these children. It’s an invaluable sensation. Being able to participate in something like this is a real highlight for these kids. The children at this event are so supportive, and they understand that the derby is their moment.
Super Stock’s Kalli Mullen, Stock’s Payton Oliver, and Masters Elite’s Audrey Robison were recognized during the banquet, along with Super Kids champions America Alvarado Del Toro, Kolby Hays, Noah Lenane, and Ruth Wilbur.
Mullen was singled out for earning her fifth overall derby title and third consecutive Super Stock victory. Mullen now has 72 career victories, surpassing the previous record of 66 set by Jadyn Vogel, who left the Grand Prix of Gravity after 2022 with a lifetime record of 66-20. Mullen is currently 72-20 with a lifetime winning % of.783, ranking first in derby history.
According to meet director Ray Wilson, Kalli would most likely break all derby records by the end.
Mullen, 16, stated on Tuesday that she intends to race the next year and that she has one more year of derby eligibility.
In the history of the derby, Robison, 13, who finished in the top three of Super Stock, Stock, and Masters Elite, recorded the most victories (18) and races (23) in a single day. She’ll be back in 2026.
According to Matt Schmidt, a member of the Optimist Club who hosts the banquet and announces the derby, there were many noteworthy occurrences this year. It’s exciting not just for the children but also for the parents, grandparents, and other adults.
Richard Johnson, who has served in a number of capacities with the derby since its inception, also spoke on the attendance.
“Every minute has been enjoyable,” he remarked. I recall Kalli’s initial descent of Derby Hill. “That was cool,” she remarked, turning to face me.
Johnson said he particularly looks forward to the Super Kids taking center stage on the opening day of derby competition every year.
“That is just wonderful,” he replied.
The 2026 derby will take place on June 19–20, according to Optimist Club associate director Aiden McDonnell. On June 19, the Super Kids will compete, and on June 20, the Super Stock, Stock, and Masters Elite will follow.
Birkey’s Farm Store of Quincy, which supplied transportation for the cars and racers in this year’s event, was given the derby’s annual Hero Award. Other significant sponsors included Titan International, Kunes Honda and Hyundai of Quincy, Quincy Medical Group, Right Rate Roofing, Advanced Dental Care, All of God’s Children, and Refreshment Services.
