YOUNGSTOWN Getting ready for the derby

Super stock cars will be allowed for larger or older racers.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Summer's around the corner and race officials are gearing up for another soap box derby season.
After only one year, the Greater Youngstown Area Soap Box Derby became the largest stock division race in Ohio.
With 64 cars, derby director Bob Neapolitan said it might even have been the largest in the country.
Now, organizers are allowing up to 128 cars for this year's race weekend, June 16 and 17 on Fifth Avenue near Youngstown State University.
Categories: The weekend will be split into two race categories: the Mahoning Valley Metro Race for Mahoning County residents age 9 though 16 and the Mahoning Valley Suburban Race for Columbiana, Mercer and Trumbull County residents of the same age.
In addition, super stock derby cars will be allowed for larger or older racers. Super stock cars are about 30 pounds heavier than 200-pound stock cars.
Neapolitan said entries were added to give kids more opportunities to reach championship weekend, beginning July 28th in Akron.
"We have a chance to send four champions," he said, meaning one from each race and one from each division.
Clinics: Racers can begin prepping their cars during two derby-building clinics at 7 p.m. today and 7 p.m. April 24 at the ITAM Catering Service hall, 115 S. Meridian Road in Austintown.
The race entry deadline is May 1.
Neapolitan said the race is about halfway booked.
Entries can be found online at www.soapboxyo.com or by calling (330) 726-5443.