Akron Soap Box Derby: World Championship returns July 17

Revving up for its 85th year, the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship is back at Derby Downs in Akron with 320 kids from all over the country (and world) expected to take part in the annual tradition.

This year's Soap Box Derby race takes place July 22, with events beginning Monday.

The Soap Box Derby season runs year-round in more than 90 race cities across the United States, culminating with the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron. Competitors ranging in age from 7 to 20 build their own gravity-powered car from kits, typically with assistance from an adult or mentor.

Each of the competitors who make their way to Akron have earned that spot, winning in their respective local derby.

The Soap Box Derby first got its start in Dayton in 1933 by Dayton Daily News photographer Myron E. “Scottie” Scott. Looking for a feature story, Scott stumbled upon children playing in homemade cars, some made out of wooden boxes soap was sold in, hence the name. From there, Scott coined the term and it soon grew to be one of the most anticipated events, especially during the Great Depression.

Wanting a hillier terrain for the gravity-based car races, organizers landed on Akron. The first race in Akron was in 1934 on Tallmadge Hill. As the event grew in popularity, the Derby Downs track was built in 1936.

The Akron Beacon Journal had its own part in the races, as it was one of the first to sponsor the local races from 1934 to 1973.

The 2023 derby has been long awaited for Bob Troyer, public relations chair, who's been involved with the Soap Box Derby for more than 50 years.

"I was asked to be in charge of PR for the derby for one year... they promised me it was just going to be one year. It's been 50," Troyer laughed. "Once you're hooked, you're hooked."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not much was going on in 2020 and 2021 for the Soap Box Derby. Then, following unrest in Akron in 2022 after Jayland Walker's shooting death by police, there was no annual parade to celebrate the contestants. So, this is the first year in awhile where all events will take place.

With about 325 kids coming from across the country, along with two from Canada and one from Japan, this year's derby will be a family event to remember, organizers said.

"When people ask me why I keep doing this, I say it's always the people. You can't do it without family," Troyer said.

Want to have an day-by-day update on all of the events going on? Here's all the information you need for a great and speedy week:

Noon: Parade begins at Canal Park on Main Street in downtown Akron to Cascade Plaza at 1 W. Mill St., where the opening ceremony will take place.

6– 9 p.m.: Rock the Rec and badge trading (for champs only)

7:30 a.m.: Local Masters

9:30 a.m.: Local Super Stock

12:30 p.m.: Local Stock

7:30 a.m.: Rally Masters

9:30 a.m.: Rally Super Stock

Noon: Rally Stock

8 a.m.: All-star car alignments – all divisions

9:30 a.m.: All-star races

1 p.m.: Legacy race

4-7 p.m.: Open house at new location: West Lawn, 789 Derby Downs Drive

8 a.m.: Local Masters car alignments

8 a.m.: Rally Masters car alignments

9 a.m.: SuperKids Classic race for racers with special needs. Event is free.

9:30 a.m.: Local Super Stock car alignments

9:30 a.m.: Rally Super Stock car alignments

11:15 a.m.: Rally Stock car alignments

Noon: Local Stock

6:30 a.m.: Gates open at the Derby Downs lower lot

7 a.m.: Local champ/car handler check in at the Whitey Wahl Starting Line Pavilion

7:20 a.m.: Rally champ/car handler check in at the Whitey Wahl Starting Line Pavilion

8 a.m.: Opening ceremonies at the track

8:30 a.m.: First heat of the 85th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby

1p.m. – 10 p.m.: Parts store

General admission tickets for the All-American Soap Box Derby are $8 in advance at https://tinyurl.com/3md8e9r5

Tickets also are available on race day for $10 each.

Coming from out of town for the derby? Don't know where to stay or what fun things you can do in Akron? The All-American Soap Box Derby website details all the information you may need like the best deals on hotels and fun attractions in the area such as the Akron Zoo or art museum.