News

AAA SPONSORS SOAP BOX DERBY LOCAL CHALLENGE RACE

The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD), an Akron-based non-profit organization, has renewed a two-year sponsorship with AAA. AAA is the ISBD’s longest running sponsor dating back to the 70’s. AAA will continue to sponsor the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby AAA Local Challenge Race during the week of the World Championship.

This year’s Local Challenge Race is scheduled to be held during the week of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship races, July 19-23, 2021. The Challenge Races are additional opportunities for the champions to race in the week leading up to the world championships. These races are a three-lane, wheel and lane swap race. The Wheel Swap is where the racers receive a set of four wheels provided by the ISBD for their first heat. The champions then exchange their wheels with another competitor for the next round of heats. Top finishers receive their awards during the 83rd FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby awards ceremony.

“AAA is passionate about the communities in which we live and work.” said Kevin Thomas, AAA Ohio Regional President Kevin Thomas. "Our long-term partnership with the International Soap Box Derby, and our ongoing sponsorship of the Local Challenge Races during the All-American Race Week in Akron are reflective of our own commitment to community, and to supporting programs like the Soap Box Derby, which foster youth education, leadership and character development."

“Thanks to Kevin Thomas and AAA as they continue to support the Derby. AAA is our longest running sponsor supporting the Derby back in the 70s,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Derby. “This is a great opportunity for us to continue partnering with AAA not just in Akron but for our race cities throughout the country to receive support as well. Our Local champs look forward to competing in the three-race challenge as part of FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship, and it is great for us to have AAA’s renewal.”