Akron Set to Welcome 390 Champions for the 64th All-American Soap Box Derby.

Sports Editors/Derby Racing Writers & Columnists

AKRON, Ohio--(BW SportsWire)--July 23, 2001

More than 390 boys and girls from throughout the United States and from the Philippines, Germany and Japan are arriving in Akron today to compete in the 64th All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 28, at Derby Downs here.

Beginning today, at 9:00 a.m., each of the youngsters will receive a police escort to the Derby welcoming ceremonies on the campus of the University of Akron. The boys and girls will spend the week at a suburban youth camp and will be at Derby Downs for safety checks of their racers, as well as trial runs down the famous track.

The youngsters have earned the right to compete here by wining local Soap Box Derby races in their home communities.

"Our field of more than 390 local champions is a record, and is evidence of the recent growth in popularity and participation in the youth racing program," said Roy Hartz, chairman of the Soap Box Derby organization.

Race Day activities on Saturday, July 28, begin at 10:00 a.m. with opening ceremonies and the celebrity Oil Can Trophy Race. The first official heat of Derby racing will be at 11:30. The day's racing events should conclude by 4:00 p.m.

There are three divisions in Soap Box Derby racing. The Stock Car category features ready-to-assemble race cars similar to ready-to-assemble furniture; the Super Stock cars are similar but larger, and the Masters division cars are the sleeker, more sophisticated cars. Derby contestants are nine to 16 years old.

The youngsters will be competing for a share of more than $50,000 in college scholarships. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is the national title sponsor of the All-American Soap Box Derby.