Racers arrive in NE Ohio ahead of soap box derby

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — More than 400 racers have arrived in Akron to begin a week of events leading up to Saturday’s championship in the All-American Soap Box Derby.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports hundreds of local and rally champions and their families arrived in northeast Ohio on Monday.

Some will participate in the parents’ race, other competitions and a family night before the championship. This year marks the 75th running of the event.

Up for grabs will be thousands of dollars in scholarships for the top finishers.

Event organizers have been working to rebuild the popularity of the nonprofit organization and its financial footing. They say a new focus on education and new sponsors and events may help revitalize the derby.

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