Southern Kentucky Soapbox Derby Wraps Up Final Rallies before Championships
Bowling Green, KY – A riveting finale to the Southern Kentucky Soapbox Derby’s spring rally took place at Phil Moore Park over the weekend, where 25 soapbox racers from Southern Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Missouri secured crucial points in an effort to qualify for the world championship.
Racing for Glory, Building Friendships
Participants were not only racing for the thrill of the win or the chance to participate in the World Championships to be held in July at Akron, Ohio but also for the camaraderie and friendship the sport fosters. “It gives me a thrill going down the hill, just going fast,” said racer Kayleigh Pollock. “We also get to make friends all across the world,” added Pollock’s sister and fellow racer Peyton.
Determined Efforts and Family Support
The rally marked a significant milestone in their journey toward the derby championship, the culmination of efforts which started last August. “They race all the way through the end of May. The racers accumulate points all year, and then the World Championships are in July,” explained Jordan Pruden, President of the Southern Kentucky Soapbox Derby.
Each one of the racers drove a gravity-powered car that they built themselves. Sophia Rosa, one of the derby participants, mentioned, “Some of the hard parts can be figuring out things like where your weight should go, that can also determine who gets down the track faster and who wins the heat.
More Than Just A Sport
The Derby encourages families to get involved in racing, touting it as not just the largest amateur sport in the world but also the “best family sport.” Pruden noted, “Soapbox Derby racing engages the entire family. Your brothers, your sisters, your mom, your dad, they are your team. So you build the car together, you travel together, and you work together all weekend.”
Looking Forward to the Next Season
Races for the next season will commence in August. Aspiring racers and interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Southern Kentucky Soapbox Derby Association via their Facebook page for further details. The upcoming 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship is set to take place in Akron, Ohio, from July 14-20.
In Closing
As the final weekend of the Southern Kentucky Soapbox Derby’s spring rally concludes, it’s clear that this is more than just a game, but a community that fosters learning, camaraderie, and family bonding. We look forward to seeing the developments of the next season and wish all future competitors the best of luck.
