61st Conshohocken Soap Box Derby on July 4 Sponsored Again by Conicelli Autoplex

Come out and encourage the kids competing to go to the national races in Akron later in July.

Have a full day of fun watching kids from 8 to 18 compete in three classes to race in the national Soap Box Derby later in July, a race that's been called "the greatest amateur racing event in the world."

The 61st Conshohocken Soap Box Derby will be held on Fayette Street between 5th and 8th Streets on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 starting at 8 a.m., and is again sponsored this year by Conicelli Autoplex of Conshohocken.

Sanctioned by the national All-American Soap Box Derby, the race is for boys and girls from 8 to 18 who construct and race their own Soap Box Derby cars, with the winners being awarded trophies and cash prizes.

The All-American Soap Box Derby
is held annually in Akron, Ohio.

Begun in 1934 in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to Akron the following year due to its hillier terrain, the Soap Box Derby has been run every year since, with the exception of the World War II years. Youngsters from throughout the United States and from several foreign countries come to Akron with the race cars they have built and driven to victory in their home communities.

The top three winners in each of three divisions will qualify for the World Championship in Akron, Ohio, which will take place on July 21, 2012.

Last year’s Conshohocken race featured 34 contestants with 15 children in the stock division, 13 in the super-stock division, and six in the masters division.

The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since it began in 1934. They are to teach youngsters some of the basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project once it has begun.

Those interested in participating can sign up on the website of the All-American Soap Box Derby, which offers complete information about qualifying, building the cars, and all about the decades-old history of the race.

It will be a full day of family-oriented fun with food, refreshments, games, exhibits, and most importantly, the 61st edition of a perennial favorite Conshohocken event, proudly sponsored again by Conicelli Autoplex.