August 26, 2020

Although the 83rd running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, race organizers wanted to acknowledge the achievements of derby drivers over the last season. To accomplish this, the International Soap Box Derby^® (ISBD) organization put together a video that showcased the drivers and other contributors who support the event.

“Even though drivers couldn’t experience the thrill of racing their cars down the famed hill at Derby Downs, we wanted to recognize everyone who participated in derby activities over the past year,” said FirstEnergy’s Mark Mroczynski, vice president, Construction & Design Services, and chair of the Soap Box Derby Board of Directors. “Their passion and sportsmanship are what make the Soap Box Derby such a special event, and we look forward bringing everyone back together when conditions allow.”

Clic​k below to watch the video, which features the 2019-20 rally and local champions, the 2020 Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame inductees, the winners of the President’s Youth Volunteer Service Award, and the top 10 point earners for each derby racing division.

FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones provides a congratulatory message during which he mentions our company’s continued support of the event and how proud he is to be associated with the ISBD.

“As a kid from Akron who grew up in a neighborhood not far from Derby Downs, I know how important this event is to our city,” said Chuck, a 2016 Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame inductee, in the video. “Participating in the Soap Box Derby gives a diverse group of young people the opportunity to learn design, engineering and other STEM* concepts, while developing the values of teamwork and friendly competition.”

*STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.

†By clicking the links in this article, you are entering websites maintained by outside parties, which are entirely responsible for the sites’ content.