AKRON, Ohio — Young racers around the country can take to the tracks once again in their home-made gravity-powered soap box derby cars.
The 84th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby announced in a release it will return to pre-pandemic operations, after two years of limitations.
About 80 communities are expected to stage races this year, the derby said, sending about 300 young people to the world championships scheduled for Saturday, July 23 at Derby Downs in Akron.
Racers will compete for a share of $36,000 in Bill Speeg Memorial Scholarships, awarded to the top three finishers in the Local and Rally divisions of the world championship race, the derby said.
For the first time since 2019, the Akron community, race participants and their families will be able to come together for about a week of traditional festivities, celebrating the girls and boys who compete for the world championship title.
Beginning Sunday, July 17, racers will work on their race cars at Derby Downs and opt to take trial runs on the track and compete in preliminary challenge races.
On Monday, July 18, the parade of champions is set to take place in downtown Akron with welcome ceremonies scheduled at Lock 3 Park on South Main St., the derby said.
Last year during championship week in Akron, activities for visiting local champions and their families were held within the Derby Downs complex because of COVID-19 restrictions, the derby said.
Racing was completely cancelled in 2020, and little more than half of derby organizations staged race programs in 2021 because of COVID-19.
“We are looking forward to returning to pre-pandemic levels of participation and activities in our race cities and during race week in Akron,” said Mark Gerberich, International Soap Box Derby president and CEO.
Along with events and races, championship week includes food vendors, games and other activities for families.
In addition to the All-American Soap Box Derby racing program, the Soap Box Debry offers a STEM-based education program offering educational opportunities around the world for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade.
On world championship race day Derby Downs, opening ceremonies begin at 8 a.m. with championship heats running at about 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. Derby Downs is located at 789 Derby Downs Drive in Akron.