No money is no problem for Lancaster soap box derby beginners

LANCASTER - Just like auto racing can be expensive, so can soap box derby racing.

Lancaster Soap Box Derby Vice President and race director Jamey Allen said a car could range between $450 to $700, which could prohibit some children from participating. There is also the chance parents may splurge on the car, only to find their child does not like the sport.

But the local derby chapter has free loaner cars the children can use for their first year.

"We've actually had loaner cars for 15 or 16 years," Allen said. "But back then they weren't used that much. But we've seen an increase in them the last three years or so. We've had about 15 kids using them the past three years."

Some of those children will no doubt be racing on June 23 at Derby Downs in the 63rd running of the local soap box derby. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with races starting an hour later. Each division winner will earn a trip to the world championships in Akron on July 21.

"The goal of soap box racing is to make it to the world championships," Allen said. "There are two ways to do that. One is to win the Lancaster derby. The other way is to accumulate enough points throughout the year from other races, like in NASCAR. If you get enough points, you go to the world championships."

The Lancaster Soap Box Derby has been around for 63 years and at its current location since 1960. Before that, the race was on the Main Street hill for a couple of years.

With around 35 boys and girls expected to compete, Allen said the number of participants is down some this year. He said part of the reason is the popularity of softball and baseball teams which play all summer. He, therefore, said some parents have been urging their children to take up racing when it used to be the children asking their parents for permission to race.

But the lower numbers have not hampered plans at Derby Downs. Allen said the idea is to install lights at the track to allow for night racing and to also host team-building events with corporations.

Of course, racing is not just for the racers. Derby officials urge their families also to make a day of it. Admission is free to the public.

Derby Downs is located at 3060 BIS Road SW.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron