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Akron, Ohio —
Past Soap Box Derby cars of all kinds are coming back to the All American Soap Box Derby (AASBD). They will be hung in a place of honor known as the Hall of Fame and Museum at Derby Downs.
Participants in the recent 75th running of the derby and the public got the first look at the museum while attending the festivities of derby week. President of the AASBD, Joe Mazur said cars and memorabilia have been coming in from across the country to be placed in the rejuvenated museum. Some of the donated cars were used in the parade and will be on display at different locations around the area.
The blue building topside, which houses the museum, affords visitors a view of the famed Derby Downs and the Fulton Airport. Inside visitors will find pictures, hall of fame plaques, all the championship plaques from 1934 and more. In the past few years derby officials have had to ship the historic cars out to be stored during the month of July to make room for the more than 450 modern race derby cars.
Now the museum cars hang, 77 out of the over 140 champs, mounted on a wall, while the derby cars for the race sit on the floor. “When we fill this area we will begin hanging them on the walls,” said Mazur. Cars in the museum cover the 75-year history of the race, from the 1930s to the champ’s
cars of 2011.
One of the most famous cars on display is the original car that has been used throughout the years as the derby logo. It was built from old wood, tin and wagon wheels by Bob Gravett. His car was the inspiration for the first derby, which was held in 1933 in Dayton. The derby moved to Akron the following year.
Also, one derby car many will remember is the “magnet” car. “The car was hidden for years because it was a disgrace to the derby as the participants cheated,” said Mazur. There was an electric magnet in the nose and when the starting gate paddle went down it hugged the paddle and gave it an edge. “When you get an edge at the top of the hill it gets you out in front,” he said. The car and its driver, James Gronen were disqualified in the 1973 race.
Also hanging on the wall of the museum is a lighted derby emblem. “It had been crated up for years and is about 34 years old,” said Mazur. He was in the building one day and asked what was in the crate. When he found what it was he said, “Let’s hang it up.”
Past Soap Box Derby cars of all kinds are coming back to the All American Soap Box Derby (AASBD). They will be hung in a place of honor known as the Hall of Fame and Museum at Derby Downs.
Participants in the recent 75th running of the derby and the public got the first look at the museum while attending the festivities of derby week. President of the AASBD, Joe Mazur said cars and memorabilia have been coming in from across the country to be placed in the rejuvenated museum. Some of the donated cars were used in the parade and will be on display at different locations around the area.
The blue building topside, which houses the museum, affords visitors a view of the famed Derby Downs and the Fulton Airport. Inside visitors will find pictures, hall of fame plaques, all the championship plaques from 1934 and more. In the past few years derby officials have had to ship the historic cars out to be stored during the month of July to make room for the more than 450 modern race derby cars.
Now the museum cars hang, 77 out of the over 140 champs, mounted on a wall, while the derby cars for the race sit on the floor. “When we fill this area we will begin hanging them on the walls,” said Mazur. Cars in the museum cover the 75-year history of the race, from the 1930s to the champ’s
cars of 2011.
One of the most famous cars on display is the original car that has been used throughout the years as the derby logo. It was built from old wood, tin and wagon wheels by Bob Gravett. His car was the inspiration for the first derby, which was held in 1933 in Dayton. The derby moved to Akron the following year.
Also, one derby car many will remember is the “magnet” car. “The car was hidden for years because it was a disgrace to the derby as the participants cheated,” said Mazur. There was an electric magnet in the nose and when the starting gate paddle went down it hugged the paddle and gave it an edge. “When you get an edge at the top of the hill it gets you out in front,” he said. The car and its driver, James Gronen were disqualified in the 1973 race.
Also hanging on the wall of the museum is a lighted derby emblem. “It had been crated up for years and is about 34 years old,” said Mazur. He was in the building one day and asked what was in the crate. When he found what it was he said, “Let’s hang it up.”
The museum is not complete at this time. Mazur said there is a lot of work to be done. “Eventually, when you come in here, all derby history will be here, “Mazur said.
Several weeks before this year’s derby, officials took the memorabilia stored in the basement of the administrative offices and took it up the hill, sight unseen and began displaying the history of the derby. The museum is currently open to the public and is located at 1000 George Washington Blvd. It will be open August through June during office hours.
Mazur said the movie, “25 Hill” which premiered last year and was written and produced by Corbin Bernsen, has helped tremendously in rebuilding interest in the 75 year old tradition.
Many area businesses have offered support in a variety of ways. First Energy was the main sponsor for this year's event.
Also new this year was a mini Soap Box Derby race. The cars, made of wood and plastic were presented to racers who creatively painted their mini racer, which was a model of their racer class.
“It is the derby's version of the scouts Pinewood Derby,” Mazur said. “It is just a part of the fun. We want the champs to have a wonderful experience.”
The community has been stepping up Mazur said in support of the 75 year old tradition. “I didn't realize how many people were so passionate about the derby. It is unbelievable.”
If you have or know of items for the museum call Mazur, he is looking for derby memorabilia of any kind, 330-733-8723.
