This weekend, hundreds of young racers from the U.S. and parts of Canada and Japan will descend upon Akron’s Derby Downs for the 87th annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby.
The derby involves racers ranging in age from 7 to 20 who build and personalize their own cars. The Championship event, which features more than 350 qualifiers from 33 states and several countries, has been held since the 1930s.
Racers check-in at 786 Derby Downs Drive on July 13 before opening ceremonies July 14 kick off a week of festivities, culminating in the championship races. The first heat of the World Championship begins July 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Tickets for the race cost $10 each.
For more information about the derby and events, visit aasbd.soapboxderby.org.
Full Soap Box Derby schedule:
Monday, July 14:
Tuesday, July 15 (Rally Challenge Day):
Wednesday, July 16 (Local Challenge Day):
Thursday, July 17 (All-Star and Legacy Race Day):
Friday, July 18 (World Champion Race Alignment, Wheel Selection, Weigh-in Super Kids Parade and Race):
Saturday, July 19 (World Championships Race Day):
Sunday, July 20
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: The All-American Soap Box Derby returns to Akron. Here’s the full schedule of events
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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