by Theresa Garee

Recent improvements to Derby Hill at Big Run Park (4201 Clime Rd, Columbus) set the stage for an exciting new year of an old tradition.

Columbus has been home to Soap Box Derby racing since 1934. With decades of races and champions, the Columbus Soap Box Derby continues to welcome new families to the sport.

The city-owned track at Big Run Park is used by many racing sports, including the USA Luge team and Cyclocross athletes.

On Sept. 6 at 10 a.m., the Columbus Soap Box Derby Association will host a rookie clinic for those who are new to the sport. Families are welcome to drop in and observe.

“Some pick it up naturally; some have to work at it harder,” said Bill Forquer, President of Columbus Soap Box Derby, Inc.

The sport has three divisions with age brackets. A rookie generally needs to purchase a soap box car kit and assemble the car, though the association has a few loaner cars available to make the sport more accessible.

The race track is considered the best in the Midwest and has crowned three World Champions.

Danielle Maloney and her son, Ronan, have both raced in the derby.

“My love for derby started when I began racing at 9 years old. It’s the thrill of the hill. Now that I’m a mom, I look back and cherish all the memories of building derby cars with my dad, traveling every weekend to different race cities, and the lifelong friendships I made along the way. Parents are not on the sidelines in soap box derby—derby is a family team sport you do together, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that with my son,” Maloney said.

For Ronan, it’s all about “feeling the wind on my face.”

More information about the sport and the local track can be found at columbus.soapboxderby.org.