If you enjoy NASCAR or Formula One car racing then you might enjoy a pint-sized version of car racing when the 10th Annual Williamsport Soap Box Derby is held on Saturday, June 8, when 64 kit-built cars race down Market Street hill in Williamsport. The event begins at 8:30 a.m., with the first races at 9 a.m.

According to Jim Campbell, one of the organizers of the event and himself a former Soap Box Derby racer, Soap Box Derby racing began in Williamsport in 1941 and continued until 1954 with the exclusion of years associated with WWII, 1942 to 1945.

During that time frame, Williamsport crowned 10 Champions who went onto represent Williamsport and compete in the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. The highlight during this period was the winning of the National Soap Box Derby Championship in 1951 by a local racer from Danville, Darwin Cooper. The racers at the local event will, in fact, be vying for the “Darwin Cooper Memorial Trophy.”

Campbell said in 2008; planning began for the return of Soap Box Derby racing to Williamsport. On Saturday, July 3, 2010, 52 cars participated in the return of our local race.

Over the years, the number of participants in our race has grown to 64 cars, 32 Stock Cars, and 32 Super Stock Cars.

Since its’ return, the Williamsport Soap Box Derby has been able to build its own capacity by purchasing a timing system, building three trailers to transport the cars up the hill, bumper boards for driver and spectator safety, purchasing tents, and renting warehouse space to have easier access to the cars for building and safety inspections.

Unlike previous formats for the local race, Williamsport has crowned two Divisional Champions to compete in Akron. Our two divisions include Stock Car and Super Stock cars, totaling 32 in each division.

“Our local drivers have done well in Akron,” Campbell told Webb Weekly. “We have managed to win several heats with the immediate goal to have one of our drivers finish in the top team while gaining All-American Status. In bringing this event back to Williamsport, we have benefited from generous local community support.”

He said all participants are able to compete in our race free of charge. Car Sponsors have made that possible.

“We also have benefited greatly from our five Event Sponsors. They include The City of Williamsport, The Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Backyard Broadcasting, Kiwanis Club of Williamsport and the Pennsylvania College of Technology,” Campbell said. “Many other organizations and people have also contributed greatly to our success. The development and implementation of our annual race is carried out by our Steering Committee, which consists of 18 dedicated, and hard working people. The Williamsport Soap Box Derby has been chosen the “Race City of America” in three of our nine races since our return. We invite our entire community to come out and support this great event.”