AKRON, Ohio — New champions have been crowned in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron. 

What You Need To Know

  • New champions have been crowned in All-American Soap Box Derby

  • Many contestants talked about family traditions of derby

  • About 60 contestants were from Ohio

The event brought hundreds of people to the Rubber City from all around the country on Saturday.

Kylee Kirk was a contestant from Ohio. She said she looks forward to the event every year.

“I’m here racing at the championships. I’ve been racing since 2019, so about nine years, 2014, I mean,” she said with a chuckle.

Kirk is from Columbus and earned the trip to Akron by winning her local Soap Box Derby competition in her gravity-powered race car.

Kirk took seventh place in this year’s contest.

About 60 contestants were competing this year from Ohio. One of those contestants said the competition was at an all-time high.

“Last year I ended up winning the local superstock, so that was obviously the best year. This is my fourth year racing,” contestant Eleni Fischer said.

Fischer ended up in third place, but her dad, Eric Fischer, said it’s all about the memories they made.

“It’s just about the competition, learning to be a good sport. They’ve met friends through this sport,” he said.

While the race proves to be an all hands on deck situation, director Jamey Allen said he’s hoping the tradition is upheld.

“My role today is to make sure all of the cars are getting in line for the championship race,” he said. “I’ve been a part since I was born. My dad raced at my local race. It’s first year, I raced the 25th, my three oldest raced the 50th and my grandkids are on track for the 75th,” he said.

Although Eleni Fischer said she didn’t get the result she wanted, both she and her dad said this sport is not going anywhere, anytime soon.

“But just to come out of it and be positive, there will be another race you know next year or next fall, next week, we’ll be racing again, just keep having fun with it,” Eric Fischer said.