Mainers to race in Soap Box Derby National competition caps week of festivities in Akron, Ohio

Soap Box Derby week marks the fulfillment of a childhood dream to those who qualify to race down Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.

That dream will come true Saturday for a number of young Maine racers who qualified for the 68th annual All-American Soap Box Derby through top finishes at qualifying events in Bangor, Camden and Houlton or by accumulating points in a series of local rallies held throughout the year at various venues around the country.

Mainers who earned expenses-paid trips to Akron through regional qualifying were the following:

Bangor: Zachary Bullock of Newburgh (stock); Ryan Botting of Hermon (super stock); and Matt Walker of Carmel (masters)

Camden: Nathan Catell of Lincolnville (stock); Ryan Splaine of Lincolnville (super stock); and Nicole Weil of Rockport (masters)

Houlton: Alisha Ledger of Linneus (stock); Justine Sloat of Hodgdon (super stock)

Mainers who earned berths in the All-American Soap Box Derby by accumulating rally points were: Cody Douglass of Buckfield, Jeremy Vroom of Bangor, Rebekah Holmes of Houlton, Tyler Maney of Waldoboro, Erin Little of Windham and Brandyn Tozier of Bangor, stock division; Luke Brabent of Chapman, Ryan Dunton of Newburgh, Devin Secord of Bangor, Taylor Bartlett of Poland and Michael Robinson of Warren, super stock division; and Angela Patterson of Brewer, Erik Vroom of Bangor and Ashley Estrella of Rockport, masters division.

Nearly 500 racers and their families, representing 43 states and three foreign countries, began arriving in Akron on Monday for a week full of activities.

The racers will compete on Derby Downs, a 954-foot racing track designed specifically for the Soap Box Derby. Each contestant got a trial run down the course Wednesday to become familiar with the track.

Race Day activities Saturday begin with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., followed at 9 a.m. by the first heats.

The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio, in 1934. The next year, the race was moved to Akron because of its central location and hilly terrain. In 1936, Akron civic leaders recognized the need for a permanent track for the race and, through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Derby Downs became a reality.