2011 Cincinnati Soap Box derby may be largest since return to city | Events

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Cincinnati, June 1, 2011 -- The Cincinnati Soap Box Derby oin June 18th is expecting its largest field ever since the event's return to the city in 2006. An influx of cars, the addition of two new divisions along with teams and drivers from the Louisville area could push entries toward the century mark.  

"This is potentially our biggest year for participants," said Doug Newberry, president of the Cincinnati youth organization, "but we'll see how the numbers shake out when registration ends." 

Newberry says there are approximately 65 cars belonging to Cincinnati teams and communities. Two new divisions - a Masters Division for more experienced drivers and a Super Kids race, featuring two-seater cars carrying a driver and a special-needs boy or girl - will add about 12 new drivers.

Louisville is not holding a race this year so the drivers - another 12 to 16 --  from that area will be competing here. Along with those, there are about 24 cars that compete in an adult race in Northern Kentucky that Newberry is trying to fill with kids for the Cincinnati race. "If your dream was to compete in the Soap Box Derby, this is your year," added Newberry. "We have cars that need drivers."  

The location of the annual race has changed as well. A closed, downtown street has typically been the venue for the event the past five years. This year, the derby moves to Madisonville, to the Red Dog Pet Resort, at the site of the former Oakley Drive-In.  Ray Schneider, Red Dog owner, had hosted a rally event last year and was excited to be asked to host the championship race in 2011. "This is a fantastic family event," said Schneider, "and a real unique opportunity parents and kids to work together as a team."  

The Red Dog location works for many reasons, according to Newberry. Because it is a private road, shutting it down for the day is not as costly and it allows team to have a practice day on the actual race course, something not feasible when a road closure comes with an hourly fee.     

The local organization is looking for boys and girls, ages 8 through 17-years old, who want to drive in the Derby. A limited number of cars are available. You can sign up for your chance to get one of these on the Derby's website, www.cincysbd.com <http://www.cincysbd.com>. Spots to drive the cars will be filled as qualified kids are found. An entry fee of $75 must also be paid by the driver, team or car sponsor. There is no cost to apply for a car, however.

Also inherited from the Louisville Derby are special two-seater cars that allow a special-needs child to drive in the Derby under a Super Kids Division.  These specially built cars feature two seats, two steering wheels and safety belts and are meant for kids who are unable to compete in the single-seat cars. Super Kids drivers are paired with and experienced youth drivers for the trips down the hill. The Cincinnati organization is looking for 6 additional kids to take part in this competition.

The winners of all four race division in the Local Championship race will move on to Akron in July and compete in the World Championships. This is a week-long event that has been going on for over 75 years.

Deadline to register a car and driver is Friday, June 10. (Pre-registration ended June 1) The cost is $75. Entry forms can be printed from the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby website and mailed with payment.

All cars are inspected, weighed and impounded on June 11, following a three hour practice session in the morning.

Race day is Saturday, June 18 and typically it is a day-long event.

If you want to apply to drive in one of the available cars, the deadline is June 9 and the online form can be found at www.cincysbd.com http://www.cincysbd.com.

If you wish to help out on one of the two event days or if you would like to contribute to this 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization, consult their website or contact Race Director, Doug Newberry at 513-885-1373

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