Two Christian County residents are headed to Ohio for an exciting race.
Ellie Knight, 10, and Nate Crosby, 11, have qualified for the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, where they will compete against racers from around the world.
The soap box derby has been a longstanding tradition in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It was originally organized by the Kiwanis Club before a new group, Bluegrass Youth Racing Foundation Inc., took over to continue the event. The foundation’s president, Annie Catron, said organizers were determined to keep the derby alive.
The derby also provides children with hands-on opportunities to learn how the cars are built and what it takes to achieve maximum speed.
There are three divisions: stock, super stock, and masters. The stock division introduces racers ages 7 to 13 to the basics of soap box racing and helps them get comfortable behind the wheel. Super stock is open to ages 9 to 18, with larger cars that prepare drivers for the next level. Racers ages 13 to 21 can compete in the masters division, where the cars are designed for participants to lie flat rather than sit upright. Masters cars require more control and advanced driving skills.
Hopkinsville did not hold a masters race this year, so those interested in that division competed in Owensboro.
Nate Crosby has been racing for six years. This will be his first time qualifying for the International Soap Box Derby after winning first place in the local super stock race. He grew up watching his older brother compete but shared his thoughts on which of them is the better racer.
Crosby described how he and his dad prepared for the race.
When he’s racing, Crosby says he stays completely focused. It’s often hard to tell who wins a race because the finish is so close, so judges rely on timers to determine results. In Akron, he’s aiming for victory. He also shared his favorite part of the experience outside the race itself.
Ellie Knight had a different path into soap box racing.
Before competing, she had only watched one video of a soap box derby, but that was all she needed to understand her role.
Typically, first-place winners advance to Akron. Knight initially placed second, but when she learned the winner was unable to race, she stepped up to the challenge. Knight also had a message for her sponsor, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority.
The two racers will compete in Akron on July 19. Along with their families, they will spend a week in the city, which fully embraces the event. Annie Catron said the experience offers unique opportunities for participants.
Community members who would like to support the Bluegrass Youth Racing Foundation Inc. can donate via Venmo at @BluegrassYRF. The account is listed under charities in the app. Contributions will help cover expenses for the families’ trip, in addition to a stipend already provided by the organization, and will support future races and activities.
