Akron's 86th annual Soap Box Derby returns to Derby Downs starting Sunday

Hundreds of young racers, some from around the world, have begun to arrive at Derby Downs for the 86th annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby.

The derby involves racers ranging in age from 7 to 20 who build and personalize their own cars from standardized kits. It was started by a Dayton Daily News photographer in the city in the 1930s.

Racers will begin check-in at 786 Derby Downs Drive in Akron Sunday before opening ceremonies Monday kick off a week of festivities. The first heat of the World Championship will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

General admission tickets for Saturday's race cost $10 each. Souvenir tickets will be given at the gate with proof of online purchase. Hotel and information on other activities in the Akron area can be found on the derby's website, aasbd.soapboxderby.org .

Full Soap Box Derby schedule:

Monday:

• Noon: Parade begins in downtown Akron
• 1 p.m.: Opening ceremonies run at Cascade Plaza
• 6-9 p.m.: "Rock the Rec" festivities at The University of Akron with badge trading opportunities

Tuesday (Rally Challenge Day):

• 7:30 a.m.: Rally Masters
• 9:30 a.m.: Rally Super Stock
• 12:30 p.m.: Rally Stock

Wednesday (Local Challenge Day):

• 7:30 a.m.: Local Masters
• 9:30 a.m.: Local Super Stock
• 12:30 p.m.: Local Stock

Thursday:

• 8 a.m.: All-star alignment, all divisions
• 9:30 a.m.: All-star races
• 1 p.m.: Legacy race
• 4-7 p.m.: Open house

Friday:

• 8 a.m.: Local and Rally Masters car alignments
• 9 a.m.: Super Kids parade for racers with disabilities, with race immediately after
• 9:30 a.m. Local and Rally Super Stock car alignments
• 11:15 a.m. Rally Stock car alignments
• Noon: Local Stock
• Evening events will follow

Saturday:

• 6:30 a.m.: Gates open
• 7 a.m.: Local champs/car handlers check in at Starting Line Pavilion
• 7:20 a.m.: Rally champs/car handlers check in at pavilion
• 8 a.m.: A parade runs down track to finish line for the National Anthem
• 8:30 a.m.: First heat of the derby
• 7 p.m.: Awards ceremony at the Akron Civic Theatre in downtown Akron

Sunday, July 21

• 8 a.m. to noon: Car pick-up (ID required), car crating. The parts store will be open and vendors will be available for final purchases.

Reporter Isabella Schreck can be contacted at ischreck@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron's 86th annual Soap Box Derby returns to Derby Downs starting Sunday