The hum of gravity-powered cars racing downhill returned to Ben Hawes Park in June as the Owensboro Lions Club hosted its annual Soap Box Derby, offering local youth a chance to compete, learn, and advance to a world championship stage.
Open to racers ages 7 to 21, the event is part of a larger national program designed to teach STEM concepts and life skills through hands-on experience. Participants compete in divisions such as Stock, Super Stock, and Masters, with local winners earning a coveted spot at the Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio.
“This year’s local race was open to kids from Owensboro and the surrounding area,” said organizer Stephen Locher.
The national event in Akron brings together winners from across the country to compete for the world title, with champions earning a place in the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame.
“Their car is displayed in the Hall of Fame,” Locher said.
For many families, the derby is more than a single race. Some participate in a rally series, traveling to competitions in multiple states to earn points toward a national berth. Locher said his own son followed that path to success.
“He won the World Championship in 2022,” Locher said. “He was the only second world champion from Owensboro.”
Locally, the Lions Club plays a role in making the event possible, partnering with a parent-led committee that helps organize races and maintain the program year-round.
“When it comes time for the local race, that’s really the Lions Club’s time to shine,” Locher said.
The derby itself also emphasizes accessibility. Families do not need prior experience — or even their own car — to get started.
“We have 30 to 40 cars available through the Lions Club,” Locher said. “If a family just shows up, we can get their child fitted with a helmet and ready to race.
New racers can get a preview of the experience during local rally weekends, and the local organization also hosts a “Super Kids” race for children with disabilities, along with opportunities for practice runs.
Organizers said they work to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.
“A lot of kids usually don’t have to pay,” Locher said. “When somebody comes along, we try to really help them out … whether it’s helping them out with the entry fee or just trying to guide them.”
That guidance often extends beyond the track through a strong mentorship culture within the program.
“We always try to take one child under our wing and mentor them,” Locher said. “Whether it’s in racing or in life.”
For organizers and volunteers, the goal is to keep the long-standing Owensboro tradition alive while opening doors for the next generation.
“They really do a lot, and they help us out quite a bit,” Locher said of the Lions Club. “We’re pretty thankful for that.”
Beyond racing, the organization’s broader community efforts help support initiatives throughout Owensboro. The club has contributed to projects such as funding a Habitat for Humanity home, hosting free “Breakfast with Santa” events, collecting toys and hygiene products for local families, and supporting vision care through screenings and eyeglass assistance. Members also assist Sleep in Heavenly Peace by building beds for children in need and providing scholarships for local students.
