MECHANICSVILLE — Those interested in seeing how fast they can go down Laurel Boulevard in the Pottsville Area Soap Box Derby recently weighed in their cars.
Keera Brennan, 10, of Cressona, weighed in to compete in the stock division.
Her father, Norby Brennan, said she is looking forward to the event.
“This is her first year,” he said.
Conner Womer, 9, of Pottsville, was waiting for his turn to weigh in.
Brennan and Womer are among 21 stock competitors who will participate in the annual soap box derby, which is sponsored by M&T Bank. Thirteen super stock competitors will also participate.
The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and will last about six hours as racers do their best to go the fastest down one of the steepest hills in the city from Seventh to Second Street. The participants will race for a chance to be named grand champion in their respective divisions and go to the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, in July. All participants will receive a trophy.
New this year is an exhibition masters race. Drivers lay down in the car instead of crouching forward.
“We hope next year the race a masters division in Pottsville,” said Barbara Carroll, Pottsville, secretary for the soap box derby.
She said people look forward to the event each year.
“It’s been getting more and more interest every year,” Carroll said.