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Although they were unable to secure a world title, the local competitors from the Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby had a great experience racing in the national derby last week.
Kathryn Riegle, 9, of Orwigsburg raced in the Stock division — finishing ninth overall — while 13-year-old Jace Thomas, of Pottsville, raced in the Super Stock division at the 87th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby from July 13 to 19 in Akron, Ohio.
The two had spent months preparing to race in their gravity-powered cars and advanced to the national derby after winning their respective divisions at the annual Pottsville derby on May 3.
After a week of social events, challenges and prep in Akron, the two faced the ultimate test on race day, July 19.
The races — held on Akron’s Derby Downs — began around 8:30 a.m. Saturday and continued throughout the day.
Jace was narrowly eliminated in the first round after finishing second in his heat.
Kathryn held on to win first place in her first two races, which advanced her to the top nine in the Stock division. She ultimately finished ninth out of 55 total Stock racers.
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Jace Thomas, in the middle black car, prepares to race at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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Kathryn Riegle, front, prepares to race down the track at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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An overhead shot of Kathryn Riegle and two other competitors on the race track at Derby Downs at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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Kathryn Riegle poses with her car, sponsored by Naftzinger, on the Derby Downs at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. (SUBMITTED)
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Jace Thomas and Kathryn Riegle walk in a parade for derby racers in Akron, Ohio, on July 14. (SUBMITTED)
Show Caption
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Jace Thomas, in the middle black car, prepares to race at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
Expand
“They did great,” said Barbie Carroll, president of the Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby. “We’re proud of both racers. They did fantastic representing Pottsville.”
After they returned to Schuylkill County, Kathryn and Jace were treated to a homecoming parade by the Orwigsburg Fire Department. Led by a procession of fire trucks, the racers and their derby cars were escorted through the Orwigsburg town square and greeted by a crowd of spectators.
Jace said his experience at the national derby was “pretty fun.”
“I think I did pretty good,” he said of his preparation and performance at the race.
His favorite part of the week was the opening ceremony at Lock 3 Park, where each racer was introduced.
“I thought it was a really neat experience for the kids,” his mother, Samantha, said. “They do a lot for them while they’re out there. … It’s definitely something he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”
Throughout the week, the family also got the chance to visit other attractions in the region such as the Christmas Story House, Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay, an African safari and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kathryn said she was “really excited” to make it to the top nine in the Stock division.
Mentally, she had prepared for the race by focusing on driving straight and putting her head down to ensure minimal air resistance.
Kathryn said she had a great time meeting people from around the country and the world. Racers from other countries — including Ukraine, China and Canada — also participated, according to her mother, Jen.
Kathryn wishes more people would get involved in their local soap box derby and compete for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, racing in the national derby.
“For most kids, it’s the top opportunity you’ll have in your lifetime to race soap box,” Jen said.
The derby divisions are based on the design of the cars, weight and age classes.
Stock drivers are between 7 and 13 years old, with the combined weight of the driver, car and wheels not exceeding 200 pounds.
Super Stock cars are slightly heavier, and the drivers must be between 9 and 18 years old.
The Masters division, meanwhile, has a larger, more enclosed vehicle and is designed for more experienced 10- to 20-year-old drivers.
This year’s Pottsville derby did not feature a Masters division, but it will return for next year’s competition.
The 2026 Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby — the 50th edition of the event — is scheduled for May 16.
Continue reading...
Kathryn Riegle, 9, of Orwigsburg raced in the Stock division — finishing ninth overall — while 13-year-old Jace Thomas, of Pottsville, raced in the Super Stock division at the 87th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby from July 13 to 19 in Akron, Ohio.
The two had spent months preparing to race in their gravity-powered cars and advanced to the national derby after winning their respective divisions at the annual Pottsville derby on May 3.
After a week of social events, challenges and prep in Akron, the two faced the ultimate test on race day, July 19.
The races — held on Akron’s Derby Downs — began around 8:30 a.m. Saturday and continued throughout the day.
Jace was narrowly eliminated in the first round after finishing second in his heat.
Kathryn held on to win first place in her first two races, which advanced her to the top nine in the Stock division. She ultimately finished ninth out of 55 total Stock racers.
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Jace Thomas, in the middle black car, prepares to race at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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Kathryn Riegle, front, prepares to race down the track at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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An overhead shot of Kathryn Riegle and two other competitors on the race track at Derby Downs at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on July 19. (SUBMITTED)
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Kathryn Riegle poses with her car, sponsored by Naftzinger, on the Derby Downs at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. (SUBMITTED)
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Jace Thomas and Kathryn Riegle walk in a parade for derby racers in Akron, Ohio, on July 14. (SUBMITTED)
Show Caption
1 of 5
Jace Thomas, in the middle black car, prepares to race at the All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 19. (SUBMITTED)
Expand
“They did great,” said Barbie Carroll, president of the Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby. “We’re proud of both racers. They did fantastic representing Pottsville.”
After they returned to Schuylkill County, Kathryn and Jace were treated to a homecoming parade by the Orwigsburg Fire Department. Led by a procession of fire trucks, the racers and their derby cars were escorted through the Orwigsburg town square and greeted by a crowd of spectators.
Jace said his experience at the national derby was “pretty fun.”
“I think I did pretty good,” he said of his preparation and performance at the race.
His favorite part of the week was the opening ceremony at Lock 3 Park, where each racer was introduced.
“I thought it was a really neat experience for the kids,” his mother, Samantha, said. “They do a lot for them while they’re out there. … It’s definitely something he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”
Throughout the week, the family also got the chance to visit other attractions in the region such as the Christmas Story House, Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay, an African safari and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kathryn said she was “really excited” to make it to the top nine in the Stock division.
Mentally, she had prepared for the race by focusing on driving straight and putting her head down to ensure minimal air resistance.
Kathryn said she had a great time meeting people from around the country and the world. Racers from other countries — including Ukraine, China and Canada — also participated, according to her mother, Jen.
Kathryn wishes more people would get involved in their local soap box derby and compete for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, racing in the national derby.
“For most kids, it’s the top opportunity you’ll have in your lifetime to race soap box,” Jen said.
The derby divisions are based on the design of the cars, weight and age classes.
Stock drivers are between 7 and 13 years old, with the combined weight of the driver, car and wheels not exceeding 200 pounds.
Super Stock cars are slightly heavier, and the drivers must be between 9 and 18 years old.
The Masters division, meanwhile, has a larger, more enclosed vehicle and is designed for more experienced 10- to 20-year-old drivers.
This year’s Pottsville derby did not feature a Masters division, but it will return for next year’s competition.
The 2026 Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby — the 50th edition of the event — is scheduled for May 16.
Continue reading...
