AKRON, Ohio — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on July 21, 2021.
On Saturday, Soap Box Derby lovers from all across the United States were present at the 83rd Annual First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, where more than $36,000 in scholarships were handed out to winners in various races.
According to officials for the races, the money comes from the Bill Speeg Memorial Scholarship Fund, named after a former Soap Box Derby race director from Southern California who "really cared about the young racers and Soap Box Derby."
In total, six local residents took came home winners from various races this weekend. A full list of the Northeast Ohio winners can be found below:
- Libby Shoemaker, Akron, 3rd place (Local Super Stock)
- Zachary Hiller, Cleveland, 3rd place (Local Masters)
- Samantha Wooten, Akron, 4th place (Rally Stock)
- Alyssa Case, Akron, 6th place (Rally Stock)
- Ella Probst, Akron, 6th place (Rally Super Stock)
- Stephanie Getz, North Canton, 7th place (Rally Masters)
- Alyssa Case, Akron, 3rd place (Stock Division)
- Libby Shoemaker, Akron, 2nd place (Super Stock Division)
President & CEO Mark Gerberich spoke with 3News' Kelly Matter earlier this week, telling Matter that people from all over the United States had flocked to Akron this year to race for fun and scholarships.
"We are excited to be back with 260 champs from all over the country," Gerberich said.
On top of the financial incentive, Gerberich told Matter that there is a significant learning advantage associated with the race as well.
"Kids build the cars themselves and learn about STEM education," Gerberich says. "The races are really close, there's that difference of how you build your car, where you put your weights, and of course the talent of the racers," the CEO added.