Roanoke Girl To Compete in International Soap Box Derby in Akron This Month

Abigail Waldron advances to compete in the International Soap Box Derby.

Twelve-year-old Abigail Waldron recently won the Super Stock Division of the Star City Soap Box Derby in Roanoke County’s Walrond Park. She was undefeated all the way.

The Super Stock Division is open to racers ages 10-17. The shell is white and may be painted by the builder. Waldron’s car sports a blue shell. The car is a lean-forward design that is sold as a kit, including everything but the racing wheels and weights. The approximate time to build such a car is 6-10 hours.

Waldron marks the third generation in her family to have participated in the Star City Soap Box Derby. Del Waldron, her grandfather and two of his brothers, Rodney and Larry raced, as did his sons, Del III, Mike and Matt and nephew Randy. Rodney was a champion in 1967, Del III won in 1987 and Matt won in 1997. All three participated in the World Championship finals.

Del Waldron worked extremely hard to bring the event back to the Roanoke Valley after a 10-year hiatus. And he was successful in doing so. There were more than two dozen contenders in the local derby this year.

Across the United States and around the world, family time is spent together building Soap Box Derby cars. Lifelong bonds are developed as the “Derby Experience” is shared from driver to driver, town to town, state to state.

The Soap Box Derby has been called “The Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World.” The first All-American race was held in Dayton, but it was moved east to Akron the following year (1935) because of its more central location and hilly terrain. With the exception of during World War II, youngsters from throughout the United States and several foreign countries have come to Akron with the racers they have built and driven to victory in their home communities.

According to the website of the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD), the season runs year-around in over 150 cities and communities across the United States and overseas culminating with the All-American Soapbox Derby World Championship in Akron. Qualifiers come from 40 U.S. states and several foreign countries. The Championship event has more than 1,000 volunteers and 15,000 spectators each year.

Waldron will represent Roanoke and advance to complete in the Super Stock Division of the 74th All-American Soapbox Derby to be held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio on July 23.