Week of activities set for All-American Soap Box Derby
AKRON, Ohio – More than 500 youngsters and their families will be in Akron beginning on Monday for a week of activities leading up to the 74th All-American Soap Box Derby here at Derby Downs on Saturday, July 23.
Boys and girls between the ages of eight and 17 have earned the trip to Akron by winning local Soap Box Derby races in their home communities from throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.
On Saturday, July 23, Derby Downs opening ceremonies are at 8:30 a.m. and racing begins at 9 a.m. Champions of the 74thAll-American Soap Box Derby will be determined by 5 p.m.
“The Soap Box Derby has a rich tradition which we look forward to sharing with the participating champions and their families who are traveling to Akron,” said Joe Mazur, president and chief executive officer of the All-American Soap Box Derby. “Our organization is grateful for the support from the City of Akron, the Greater Akron Chamber and business and community leaders who have come together to support this valuable youth racing program.”
Race week festivities get under way with the welcoming ceremonies for all visiting Soap Box Derby participants on Monday, July 18, beginning at 9 a.m., at Canal Park Stadium in downtown Akron. The stadium, home of the Akron Aeros, is at the corner of S. Main and State Streets.
During the week, contestants will be at Derby Downs for technical inspections of their racers, weigh-ins and trial runs on the famous 989-foot-long track.
Mazur said new activities have been added to the week’s schedule, including demonstrations on the Derby Downs track of street luge, slalom skateboarding and longboard skateboarding sprints by representatives of the International Slalom Skateboarding Association and the International Gravity Sports Association.
“Spectators can see these performances on Thursday, July 21, at 2 p.m. and on Saturday, July 23, at 9 a.m. during the opening ceremonies,” Mazur said. “These exhibitions will help showcase Derby Downs as an exciting venue for gravity sports.”
Mazur said the track also will be open to the general public on Thursday, July 21, 5-8 p.m. for youngsters and adults to take a run in a Soap Box Derby race car. The organization will provide regulation Derby racers and special adult cars for these runs.
“We are building on the growing interest in the Soap Box Derby as a result of the recent premiere of Corbin Bernsen’s 25 Hill Derby-themed movie to give people an opportunity to experience Derby Downs,” Mazur said.
He said the public event will raise funds for the Soap Box Derby organization. Boys and girls between the ages of eight and 17 will pay $10 for a run, while adults will be charged $20.
Weekend activities
The National Super Kids Classic, a race for special needs children, will take place at Derby Downs on Friday, July 22, beginning at 10 a.m.
At Saturday’s All-American Soap Box Derby, rounds of single-elimination heats will lead to new champions in each of three racing divisions. They are competing in their gravity-powered race cars for a share of $30,000 in scholarship awards.
Additional information is available at , where a live webcast will enable race fans to follow the race day action on Saturday, July 23.
The first All-American Soap Box Derby was run in Dayton, Ohio, in 1934. The event moved to Akron the following year, where it has been held annually except for a four-year hiatus during World War II. Derby Downs, located in the southeast section of Akron adjacent to the Rubber Bowl and Akron Fulton Airport, was built in 1936.
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