Kids and parents cheered as soap box cars zoomed down Sussex Street on Sunday for the annual Port Jervis Soap Box Derby in New York.
More than 140 drivers competed for trophies in 4 divisions—stock, super stock, masters, and Super Kids for children with special needs.
Kids aged 8 to 18 came out to compete, said Wayne Addy, director of the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby, “Four champions will leave here and at the end of July represent Port Jervis in the All-American Soap Box Derby, which is the national event.”
The national event is held in Akron, Ohio, and the number of competitors there climbs to 500.
Soap box car racing traces its origins back to the early 1900’s, with the basic concept being two drivers racing downhill in gravity-powered cars made of wood—achieving speeds of up to 35 miles per hour depending on the terrain and weight of the car and rider.
This is the thirteenth consecutive year of the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby after a 43 year hiatus. Addy said the derby was a great success with around 2,500 spectators and competitors. “With the food vendors and the kids activities, we bring a lot of people to this area,” he said.
