Akron, Ohio – July 20, 2024 – More than 320 Soap Box Derby racers of all genders from across the country, Canada, and as far as Japan participated in today’s 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby held today, for the chance to win $36,000 in college scholarships.
Racers between the ages of 7 and 20 spent months building their gravity-powered race cars and competing in local Soap Box Derby competitions to earn their trip to the World Championships at the famous Derby Downs track in Akron, Ohio.
Six World Champions of the 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby and one National Super Kids Champion were determined today:
Stock Division: Racers (7-13) compete in cars built from kits, which assist the Derby novice by providing a step-by-step assembly of a basic style car
- Local Winner: Drew Brand, 12, of Omaha, Nebraska
- Rally Winner: Delaney Nichols, 12, of Columbus, Ohio
Super Stock Division: Racers (9-18) build and compete in a larger, heavier model car, also from a kit
- Local Winner: Caleb Gilbert, 12, of Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Rally Winner: Aden Stewart, 15, of Rixeyille, Virginia
Masters Division: Racers (10-20) compete in sleeker, more sophisticated cars, built from kits
- Local Winner: Hudson Danzilo, 14, of Liberty, New York
- Rally Winner: Alyssa Gardiner, 15, Henderson, Nevada
Super Kids: The National Super Kids Classic is a Soap Box Derby race that give children and young adults with special needs an opportunity to participate using specially designed cars and veteran drivers. This year’s winner is:
- Ethan Auwerda of Keystone, Nebraska
The Soap Box Derby season runs year-round in more than 100 cities around the world, culminating in the annual World Championship, with Local and Rally racers in each division:
- Local Racers: Winners automatically qualify for the championship race
- Rally Racers: Winners accumulate points to earn the chance to compete for a national title
Media Contact:
Bob Troyer, FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Public Relations Chairman
(312) 543-6703 bob@soapboxderby.org