Soap Box Derby In Akron

The Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby took seven racers to Akron, OH, last week for the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships. After the pandemic resulted in canceling the 2020 racing season for the first time since World War II, more than 260 boys and girls from across the country participated in the 83rd FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron for the chance to win $36,000 in college scholarships.

Racers between the ages of 7 and 20 spent months building their gravity- powered race cars and competing in local Soap Box Derby competitions, like the derby and rally races held in Lyons at Partin Park, to earn their trip to the championship finals at the world-famous Derby Downs.

Aidyn Driggers had the best finish of the local racers in this year's World Championships as she brought home second place in the Rally Super Stock Division. Driggers fell in the finals by .003 seconds, which equates to about two inches of the nose of the car. The winner of the race was Karlye Murphy from Hilton, NY, with Peyton Brake of Morrisvale, WV, taking third.

According to Southeast Georgia Director Matt Driggers, there were several local racers that made it out of the first round again this year, and the continued from page

local racers again had a good showing in Akron.

Matt Driggers said, “It was a success all in all for our local racers. The kids all got to see several of the other racers that they have kept in touch with over the years from around the country. We took the trip over to Cedar Point amusement park, which is always a good time for everyone.

“We have to thank all of our sponsors, which there are just too many to name all of, the race families, and our committee that helps out all year long.” Southeast Georgia Soap Box will kick things back off at the end of August as they host their first of three rally races on August 28-29. There will be another local one in November and one in January of 2022. Those will lead up to the big race held every May at Derby Hill in Partin Park.

For more information on the local races, you can check out Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby on Facebook or contact Matt Driggers at 912293- 7960.