Soap Box Racers Head To Akron

Akron, Ohio (July 10, 2025) Nearly 300 young racers ages 7 through 20 are in Akron, beginning Sunday, July 13 for a week of activities leading up to the 87th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19.

The champions travel from cities throughout the United States, Canada and Japan to participate in this year’s event for the chance to win a share of $36,000 in Bill Speeg Memorial Fund college scholarships.

There will be racing activities in their gravity-powered cars at Derby Downs throughout the week leading up to the World Championships on Saturday. It all started with opening ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Local

Winners and qualifiers from the Southeast Georgia Soapbox Derby have made their way to Akron. OH, for racing this week at the World Championships.

“We feel good. We have worked on our cars and found some new setups for us to use in Akron. A bunch of us came up here on Memorial Day and got some racing in for the last round of the year before the races in Akron, and we did well. We're going to take continued from page

those setups and apply them during race week. We're hoping we're going to be bringing home some World Championships,” Southeast Georgia Director Jonathan Gordy said.

Region 7 Rally Champ, Noah Gordy: “This is only my second year in the Masters Division. We got a new body on the car, and we're hoping that it's going to be a rocket down the track after trying some new body work.” Local Masters Champion, Charles Connor: “To be honest, I'm a little nervous. Third time ever racing in a masters car, so I just know that I'm really going to have to focus up. Once I get in the car, everything needs to be zoned out and its just me going down the track.”

Local Super Stock Champion, Ivy Pickels: “I feel good, a little bit nervous. I need to stay focused and not get in my own head. I feel confident.”