Soap Box Derby qualifiers take place in Meriden

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Children combined a STEM education with real-world racing in Saturday’s Soap Box Derby in Meriden.

Competitors ranged from ages 8 to 18 gathered in Hubbard Park with their cars Saturday morning.

All drivers were tasked with building their own gravity powered cars. First time drivers were given one week to modify a club car to compete and resources were available to help new racers find sponsors.

“It’s a yearly thing that we’ve been trying to bring back since 2019, we’ve got 12 cars in the stock division, 12 cars in the superstock division, so 24 kids total,” said Brandon Harror, a former winner of the Meriden race and an organizer of Saturday’s event. “Everyone’s new, everyone’s having a great time, and we’re trying to run a safe race.”

There are only four communities in Connecticut that host Soap Box Derbies in league with the World Championship: Meriden, Groton, Bandbury and Bristol.

Saturday’s races were qualifiers to determine who from Meriden will compete in the Soap Box Derby World Championship on July 20th in Akron, OH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.