The Local Ocala Derby Race History: The local derby began in 2002 in Ocala, Florida. Approximately 8-10 cars were involved in the first race competing in only the Stock Division. Ocala has expanded to 30 club cars, stock, super stock and master division to date. In 2007, the super-stock division was added. Nick Gajraj was elected the club president in 2013 and served through 2018. During his tenure, he embraced the vision of the Ocala Soap Derby to see it grow bigger and better with each year by creating awareness in the community and recruiting parents of racers to fill critical positions of the non for profit. Race officials, Lori and Roger Soucey have been involved with Ocala Soapbox Derby almost as long as co-founder Alan Cummings, pastor of Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church. Today, the local race has grown to over 24 drivers competing in two divisions: Stock and Super-Stock. The Stock Division is open to boys and girls 7-13 years old. This is the easiest division and features cars made from a ready-to-assemble kit. These can be ordered in red, white, or blue and can only be decorated with vinyl lettering. The Super-Stock cars are slightly larger, weigh more, can have a custom paint job, and can accommodate a driver from 10 to 17 years old. The Masters division (also known as Scottie) is for racers 10-20 years old and is driven by the more experienced drivers. Masters cars can accommodate a child up to (approximately) 6'0" tall and 160 pounds. The car weighs approximately 88 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 255 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 255 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner provided weight. Because of the lay-down (enclosed) design of the Masters car, small drivers are also competitive in this division. The first Master's local race was in 2009. The winners from each division are presented with a trophy and presented with check to help with expenses for traveling to Akron, OH to compete in the World Championship Race.
