×

Soap Box Derby downer

The All-American Soap Box Derby scheduled for July 25 at Derby Downs in Akron has been canceled for the first time since 1945. (AP photo)

AKRON — Derby Downs will be silent for the rest of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 83rd All-American Soap Box Derby scheduled for July 25 was canceled on Tuesday.

Mark Gerberich, International Soap Box Derby’s president and chief executive officer, said on Facebook the cancellation of the championship race is in an abundance of caution for the health of everyone involved.

“Over the past two months, we have been closely monitoring COVID restrictions in Ohio and local communities around the United States, as well as looking at various ways to safely stage the July championship event in Akron,” Gerberich said. “Unfortunately, we concluded the best action is to postpone the 83rd running of the world championship races until 2021.”

The last time Soap Box Derby competition was canceled was during World War II from 1942 through 1945.

According to the Facebook post, more than 400 boys and girls compete in the world championships annually in Akron.

In mid-March, officials suspended Soap Box Derby activies through April. With more than half of communities holding local races already canceling their events, officials called off everything on Tuesday.

“There is such a wide variety of safety restrictions among states and when these restrictions might be lifted, it is difficult to plan with certainty on how many additional local races could run between now and the end of June,” Gerberich said.

Officials could not ensure social distancing and limited crowds at Derby Downs.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision, but everybody wants to have a safe environment, a meaningful competition and a traditional festive experience for our racers and their families,” Gerberich said. “Local races and rallies will resume after the virus passes and we look forward to the 2021 racing season and welcoming our champions back to Akron next summer.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today