70th annual Soapbox Derby runs smoothly for all ages
PHOTOS BY ANNA McCUNE | For The DGKN
Twenty-two drivers participated in the 70th Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby June 20 in Wooster. Camryn Maglio, Stock Division, who is a first-time racer this year.
Lydia Marthey wheels a car in at the 70th annual Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby in Wooster June 20.
Twenty-two drivers participated in the 70th Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby June 20 in Wooster including Megan Delauder, Masters Division, who is racing in her last year before she “retires.”
Brantley Tobias races in the Super Stock Division June 20 along Benden Road, which was closed off June 20 in Wooster for the Soap Box Derby.
Twenty-two drivers participated in the 70th Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby June 20 in Wooster including A. J. Rhouzalea, Stock Division.
By CHRISTINA McCUNE
DGKN managing editor
WOOSTER No engines.
Rather, some elbow grease, money and dedication, as well as creativity, experience and talent were behind what powered the sleek vehicles that seemed to glide smoothly and quietly down the road-turned-track last month. Sharing memories and stories and time with family and friends – those things one can’t measure or put a price tag on – also served as the fuel for the derby cars.
Benden Drive in front of Western Reserve Group was closed off June 20 and transformed into the track for the 70th annual Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby. Anyone was welcome to watch and get in on the excitement of gravity racing. Family members and friends watched along the track under tents shielding them from the sun. Race weekend was well-organized and drivers and supporters had an opportunity to help prepare the track the day before race day. Leading up to race weekend, racers registered and had practice runs and mandatory practice and inspections of their cars.
The day after the local race they enjoyed a banquet and awards ceremony at the Wooster Elks Lodge with a meal made possible thanks to sponsors. Twenty-two racers between the ages of 7 and 20 participated this year. Drivers and family members work on their cars year-round and race in the spring and summer leading up to the big All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron.
At the end of June, the Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby page posted congratulations to Krew Moore, Stock Champion; Grady Perdicas, Super Stock Champion and Jordan Bitticker, Masters Champion. This year’s Rally Champs are listed on the page: Stock: Natalie Marthey; Super Stock: Hudson Stull, Alicia Swinderman, Lydia Marthey and Livy Hartzler; Masters: Meredith Brown, Megan Delauder, and Paige Marthey.
Megan Delauder, 20, of North Lawrence, a student at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania has been racing for three years. She got involved thanks to a friend whom she played soccer with at Tuslaw High, Paige Marthey.
“I feel like anybody can do this,” she said.
This is Delauder’s last year. She’s “retiring” because of her age. But she plans to continue to stay involved. She’s going out with a bang already gearing up for the world championship. Her cousin, Camryn Maglio, 10, of Canal Fulton had her first race June 20.
“It feels good to actually race,” said Maglio, who had only done a practice run before race day.
Delauder said she enjoys everything surrounding soap box derby from bonding over building the cars to the races to traveling and seeing people on the weekends.
While directing the car smoothly down the track is “a lot of fun,” she admits there is a concern about driving straight and “when that paddle goes down your heart is racing a little bit in your chest.”
Drivers wear helmets and fit snugly in the cars. There is a foot brake in the vehicle and drivers wear soft-soled slippers or water shoes.
“It’s all physics,” Delauder said.
Drivers collect points throughout the season and also try win local championships.
Sponsors help with car supplies and race fees.
Paige Marthey, 18, fellow Tuslaw grad, inspired Delauder to race. Her parents, Brian and Molly, are trustees on the Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby board.
She said her family had seen a booth at the Wayne County Fair about soap box derby and she and her younger sister Lydia began racing. When her youngest sister, Natalie, was old enough she began racing as well.
Paige, who will be attending Otterbein University, said a highlight for her has been all the people she has met.
“I have friends in North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Georgia – you meet them from all over and you have those connections for awhile.”
Last year, the Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby took a break to revamp and the event returned this year for the 70th anniversary.
“It’s been fun, chaotic and all of the above,” said Race Director Chris Jordan.
Jordan said the soap box derby provides a nice environment for children and families and he said sportsmanship is a big benefit.
“There are so many different sports out there that kids can get into,” he said. “This one tends to get overlooked. It’s a good family environment. You get families talking to one another and playing jokes on one another. … You see kids talking to each other.”
Rob Lucci, of New Pittsburg, former race director for 10 years, is focused on watching his grandkids now – Kasen and Krew.
Lucci began racing when he was about 10 years old.
“It’s changed over the years but I enjoy it,” he said.
Lucci said one of the biggest changes over the years is when he raced it was single elimination. Also, when he was a kid people made their own cars from scratch.
To get involved, visit “The Wayne-Holmes Soap Box Derby” page on Facebook. Also, information about kits, divisions and upcoming race schedules is available at wayne-holmes.soapboxderby.org and soapboxderby.org.
