Here’s an only-in-Ohio (Akron, to be specific) event that you should see at least once in your lifetime: the All-American Soap Box Derby.
More than 300 boys and girls from around the United States, Canada and Japan will soon arrive in Akron to compete in the 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby at Derby Downs on Sat., July 20.
They will race in Stock Car, Super Stock and Masters Divisions, vying for a share of $36,000 in Bill Speeg Memorial Fund college scholarships.
THE ROAD TO AKRON
The road to Akron can be winning just one single race, or it can be an entire season of racing on many tracks. There are hundreds of local Soap Box Derby racing events held around the globe every year.
There are two qualifying roads leading to the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby each July.
Communities all across the world hold local Soap Box Derby races. Local races are held once a year and are licensed by the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby. These are dedicated races for children who reside within the community sponsoring the local race. Racers are only permitted to compete in one local race per season and can only become a champ once in each division. The winner of each division of a local race is in Akron to represent his or her race city to compete against champs from across the world.
The other route to Akron is a well-traveled road. Rally races are held throughout the year on weekends. Participants can race in any All-American-sanctioned rally race anywhere in the world and accumulate points. The rally season starts June 1 each year and continues through May 31.
Drivers who accumulate certain levels of points during the season and meet all criteria are invited to the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship races to compete against other rally champions for the world title. There are 12 rally districts in the United States plus an International district. The rally champ represents the district in which they reside.
Both categories of champions are invited to the national competition. During race week, all champs will participate in the same activities. On race day, local champs will compete against each other, as well as rally champs competing against each other. At the end of race day, there will be three All-American local world champs and three rally world champs.
WHO RACES IN EACH DIVISION?
There will be races in three divisions on Saturday. The Stock Car category, introduced in 1992, features a ready-to-assemble race car similar to popular ready-to-assemble desks and other furniture.
The Stock division is open to boys and girls ages 7 through 13.
In 1995, the Super Stock Car division was added. These cars are similar to the Stock division, but are larger to accommodate larger youngsters ages 9 through 18.
The Masters division cars are the traditional sleeker, more sophisticated cars. In 2000, the Derby organization introduced the first car kit for the Masters division. Masters participants are 10 through 20 years old.
Tickets are $10. You can purchase them in advance at the Soap Box Derby website.
