HOULTON, Maine —The thrill of the hill will become a real experience Saturday, June 11, for a field of about 20 youngsters as part of the annual Northern Maine Soap Box Derby.
This year’s event rolls back into town with a full day of racing at Houlton Community Park for the first time since 2019. The event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first races are set to begin at 8 a.m. at Derby Hill and will continue throughout the day. The championship rounds typically take place in the afternoon. There is no cost to attend the races and concessions will be available.
The Houlton derby is believed to be the only qualifying event in the state of Maine for racers to make it to the national race in Akron, Ohio. The event once drew hundreds of young people to the area for two full days of racing. In recent years, the derby has averaged 30 participants.
Haley Nickerson, one of the event organizers, said the participation numbers were lower than previous years, but had picked up slightly in the past week.
Youngsters may compete in the Stock division or Super Stock division. Stock cars can accommodate a racer up to (approximately) 5-feet, 3-inches and 125 pounds and is for racers between the ages of 7 and 13.
The Super Stock division is designed for racers 9-18 years old. Super Stock cars can accommodate a larger racer up to (approximately) 6 feet tall and 150 pounds.
Winners in each division advance to the All-American Race in Akron, Ohio, July 17-23.
