This Saturday, June 13, Market Street Hill in Williamsport will come alive as soapbox racers take to the course for the annual Williamsport Soap Box Derby.
Soap Box Derby racing started in Williamsport in 1941 and ran until 1954, except during World War II from 1942 to 1945.
During those years, Williamsport had 10 champions who went on to represent the city at the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. The biggest moment was in 1951, when Darwin Cooper from Danville won the National Soap Box Derby Championship. This year, local racers will compete for the “Darwin Cooper Memorial Trophy.”
Mike Barclay, a member of the race committee and the Williamsport Kiwanis Club, explained that the committee was formed in 2009 thanks to Dr. James Campbell’s vision. “Jim raced in the Soap Box Derby as a child and wanted to bring the event back to Williamsport.
“He first reached out to the City of Williamsport and shared his idea with former mayor Gabriel Campana, who was excited and fully supported it.
“Next, Jim contacted the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport to find volunteers. That’s how I became involved. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, I have served as the club’s representative for the Soap Box Derby ever since.
“We realized we needed help with promotion and publicity to recruit drivers, find sponsors, and raise public awareness,” Barclay told Webb Weekly. That’s when the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and Backyard Broadcasting joined as supporters. The four main sponsors are the City of Williamsport, Kiwanis Club of Williamsport, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, and Backyard Broadcasting. All four continue to support the event and have members on the Soap Box Derby committee.”
Barclay says the Williamsport Soap Box Derby is truly a community event, and it wouldn’t be possible without local support.
The event now costs nearly $30,000 each year. Without car sponsors, the race wouldn’t happen. Organizers are very grateful to their sponsors, most of whom have supported the race from the beginning and continue to renew their support every year.
Expenses cover things like race shop rent, insurance, registration, cars and parts, trophies, t-shirts, and travel and hotel costs for the winners and their families to attend the International Championships in Akron, Ohio, each July.
The winners of the Stock and Super Stock divisions go on to represent Williamsport at the International Championships.
The Williamsport Kiwanis Club is proud and honored to be part of the Soap Box Derby.
“The Soap Box Derby is more than a race — it is a longstanding American tradition that inspires young people to learn, grow, and engage with their community,” said Jack Houston, President of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport. “Kiwanis is honored to be part of an event that connects generations through service, mentorship, and positive youth development. We are excited to support this year’s Derby and celebrate the remarkable young participants who represent the future of our community,” said Jack Houston, President of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport. “Kiwanis is honored to be part of an event that connects generations through service, mentorship, and positive youth development. We are excited to support this year’s Derby and celebrate the remarkable young participants who represent the future of our community.”
After nearly 60 years away, the Soap Box Derby returned to Williamsport on July 3, 2010, with 52 cars taking part in the local race. In 2011, the race welcomed a special guest: former International Soap Box Derby Grand Champion Darwin Cooper. He won the Williamsport race in 1951, driving the Williamsport Sun-Gazette car, and then went on to win the International Championships in Akron.
“Darwin was so happy we resurrected the race here in Williamsport. In his honor, the annual winners of our local race get their names on the Darwin Cooper Champion Cup, which is proudly displayed at the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce lobby,” said Barclay.
Over the years, the race has grown to include 64 cars — 32 Stock Cars and 32 Super Stock Cars.
Since coming back, the Williamsport Soap Box Derby has expanded by buying a timing system, building three trailers to move cars up the hill, adding bumper boards for safety, purchasing tents, and renting warehouse space for easier car access and safety checks.
“Our race is always in need of volunteers. Our Race committee is always looking for individuals to serve,” Barclay said. “Many of our race committee members are aging and have moved on, and we need to replace them. We have a couple of former racers, Jane Mertes and Jack Holmes, now serving on the committee. For the event’s longevity, we need more individuals like Jane and Jack to serve. We always need help on race day. Even if it’s just setting up the track and tearing it down, in the past, many of the neighbors have stepped in to help.”
Barclay concluded, “It is great to see the families supporting the racers. The joy it brings the families is very satisfying to us volunteers. That is why we do it.”
