(07/19/06) - More than 530 racers are heading
to Akron to compete this 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.
"We look forward to welcoming a record number of racers and their families, as
well as Derby racing fans from around the world to Akron for Derby Week activities,"
said Bob McLaughlin, chairman of the All-American Soap Box Derby organization. "This
great youth racing program continues to grow with the support of our title sponsor Levi
Strauss Signature brand and our marketing partner NASCAR."
Jim Huntsman, chief executive officer of the All-American Soap Box Derby organization,
said that in addition to Levi Strauss Signature as title sponsor, there are three national
sponsors of the program: Goodyear, Dodge and Toyota.
Holland Oil stations throughout the Akron area are selling $5 tickets for entrance to
the Soap Box Derby race on Saturday.
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.
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CONTACTS:
Jeff Iula, General Manager
All-American Soap Box Derby
(330) 733-8723
Bob Troyer
Public Relations Chairman
All-American Soap Box Derby
PRIOR TO JULY 15: (312) 543-6703
JULY 16-22: (330) 687-0977
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