Racing World to Focus on Akron for 69th All-American Soap Box Derby.

AKRON, Ohio -- More than 530 racers are heading to Akron to compete next week in their gravity-powered race cars at Derby Downs here in the 69th All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 22.

The Soap Box Derby program, whose title sponsor is Levi Strauss Signature brand, is an official youth initiative of NASCAR, but these race cars do not have engines. Racers between the ages of eight and 17 have earned the trip to Akron by winning local Soap Box Derby races in their home communities from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Canada, Germany, Japan and New Zealand.

Racers will compete for more than $50,000 in scholarship awards in three racing divisions. There will be 144 entrants in the Stock Car division, which features the smallest, simplest ready-to-assemble kits purchased from All-American Derby headquarters. Another 143 will be in the Super Stock division, whose cars are similar, but larger to accommodate larger youngsters. There will 68 racers in the Masters division. Masters cars are more complex and may be built with or without kits. Rounds of single-elimination heats will lead to a new All-American champion in each of the three racing divisions.

Another 163 racers will compete in the rally competition. They have earned the right to compete in the rally championships by accumulating points in rally competition held around the United States since last August. Also, 12 racers will be competing in the experimental Ultimate Speed division.

Festivities get under way with the welcoming ceremonies for all visiting Soap Box Derby participants on Monday, July 17, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Canal Park Stadium, home of the Akron Aeros Class AA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, at the corner of S. Main and State Streets in downtown Akron.

During the week, racers will be at Derby Downs for final technical inspections of their racers, weigh-ins and trial runs on the famous 989-foot-long track.

On Saturday, July 22, Derby Downs opening ceremonies are at 8:30 a.m. and racing begins at 9:00 a.m. Champions of the 69th All-American Soap Box Derby will be determined by 6:00 p.m. During the race, fans may monitor heat-by-heat results on the organization's website at www.aasbd.com.

ESPN will televise the final championship races in coverage Saturday, July 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. EDT.

The first All-American Soap Box Derby was run in Dayton, Ohio, in 1934. The race moved to Akron the following year, where it has been held annually except for a four-year hiatus during World War II. Derby Downs, located in the southeast section of Akron adjacent to the Rubber Bowl and Akron Fulton Airport, was built in 1936.