AKRON, Ohio — Waiting in line at the top of the track, 13-year-old Emma Roseland told Spectrum News 1 all about her car.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 260 racers competing

  • Winners split $36,000 in college scholarship money

  • People from across the country come to race, i,and t's a family tradition for many

“There’s crushed glass on top that looks like glitter and it shines in the sun,” she beamed.

She and her family came from Omaha, Nebraska, to compete in the 83rd First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby.

She’s coming off a local win from back in her hometown

“I’ve always dreamed about it and so winning made my dreams come true,” she said.

Just like a lot of the racers here, the Soap Box Derby is a family tradition for her.

“My dad and both my uncles did it," she said. "My grandpa did it, and then my extended family on both sides.”

She's been racing since she was seven and worked her way up to the big leagues.

While she has her eyes on winning some of the $36,000 college scholarship prizes, she knows at the end of the day the All-American Soap Box Derby is so much more than just winning.

“It’s all about the fun," she said. "It doesn’t matter if you win or lose just have fun because even if you win or lose there’s no better time to spend with family than here.”