Boys and girls from around the world headed to Akron for an All-American soap box derby

TAMPA (FOX 13) - When it comes to soap box racing, there is a week long event held at the Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio that is reserved for the best of the best. On July 10th over 450 racers from around the world began to arrive at the track for the 79th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby.  Competing in five different divisions, with $36,000 in college scholarships and prizes at stake, these gravity powered car racers were all about the win.     

Boys and girls between ages 7 and 20 earned their trips to Akron by winning local soap box derby competitions.  Aside from the competition, racers from around the world seemed to also have a lot of fun while reaching speeds of over 30 miles per hour, on the 989’ track. Akron’s world famous Derby Downs’ track was built in 1936 and has been the home of the All-American for 77 years.

Some of the winners included Florida’s own Ruth Taddeo of Ocala, coming in 4th in the local stock division and Kathryn Lindsey, 16 of Winter Park, Florida as the local masters champ.  Lindsey originally came in second but due to a disqualification was later bumped up to first place. This year’s big champion was Joseph Kratochvil of Piedomont Virginia, coming in first place in the local stock race.