All-American Soap Box Derby

More than 500 boys and girls from across the country and as far away as New Zealand will be in Akron, Ohio this Saturday, July 24 for the 73rd All-American Soap Box Derby. Held annually since 1934, the race once drew crowds of more than 50,000 with special appearances from honored guests such as Ronald Reagan and President Richard Nixon. In 2010, veteran Hollywood actor/director Corbin Bernsen will be shooting scenes for his new Soap Box Derby movie, 25 Hill. Bernsen will also serve as parade grand marshal during opening ceremonies on Saturday.

Racers worldwide between the ages of eight and 17 have spent months building their gravity-powered racecars and competing in local Soap Box Derby competitions to earn their trip to Akron. On Saturday, these local champions will compete for a national title and a share of $30,000 in scholarship awards on the 989 foot-long, world-famous Derby Downs track.

This year, the All-American Soap Box Derby is encouraging contestants, families and guests to embrace the idea of integrating social media into the day’s events. Posting pictures on Facebook, using Twitter to report who’s moving to the next round, and much more will keep the audience and racers involved and connecting with one another as the day progresses. Crowds are expected to grow as visitors will find themselves interacting with the race more than ever before. Not to mention, the chance that they could see themselves in Corbin Bernsen’s film 25 Hill will surely attract a few extra spectators.

Fans around the world can watch the race live on Saturday on USTREAM. They will also be able to keep track of the race through the All-American Soap Box Derby’s official social media channels; Become a fan of All-American Soap Box Derby on Facebook and follow @aasbdorg on Twitter.

blog comments powered by Disqus