Back in June , 2010, I wrote about the Annual Soap Box Derby in New Rochelle…. well, it is that time of year again, and time to mention the great local sporting event. Quaker Ridge Road will be closed from Sussex Road/Broadfield Road from 9-4 p.m. on Sunday (give or take an hour or so beforehand and thereafter)… and each year it becomes more competitive, exciting and THE place to be!
The event is FREE, and is being hosted by the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 273 for its 10th year.
The contestants (who will be competing from all over the County and must compete at a race closest to t her residence) must build a soap box racing car from a AASBD (all American Soap Box Derby) kit, and the top 2 racers will then be invited to go to Akron, Ohio in July. The winner of the race today will be called “The Local Champion” and the race is for athletes 9 -17 years of age.
There are actually 3 ways to make it to Akron, Ohio. One is through the local derby, another is through participants to earn points by racing in various AASBD licensed Rally Races throughout the United States and Canada. A participant in this program races to win a “Rally Regional Title”. A winner of a Rally Regional Title is considered a “Rally Champion” and is eligible to compete in the AASBD World Championship in Akron, Ohio against other Rally Champions. The third is the Ultimate Speed Challenge – is when a participant designs a racing vehicle that embodies innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship in the design of a gravity powered racing vehicle while generating intrigue, excitement and engaging the audience at the annual All-American Soap Box Derby competition.
18 winners have gone from the past, and will be competing in Akron for scholarships, prizes and of course the winning trophy! There will be a concession stand at today’s event.at the association’s concession stand.
New Rochelle is GREAT!
