The 2008 Race A Big Success!

The 2008 West Central Soap Box Derby held it's Local race at the Lakeland Center April 26th. The race included 15 Stock participants.

Special Thanks to all our great volunteers! We couldn't have done it without you:

Terri 'Derby Queen' Pond (Orlando)
Jon 'The' Bomm (Orlando)
Jose 'Camera' Cadiz
Joe 'Glasses' Girardi (New York)
Dave 'Details' Girardi (Florida)
Keith 'Wheel-Swap' Evans
Mr JJ (Clearwater)

The Levi Strauss Signature brand announced today that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) to become the title sponsor of the premier youth and family oriented racing program in the United States.

In addition, the Levi Strauss Signature brand's spokes-person and current NASCAR Nextel Cup Series points leader Jimmie Johnson will serve as the AASBD's national spokesperson.

Get the full story on the Nascar site.

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First-time Racer Brings Home the Ferdinand Cup!

Congratulations to Reed Brackins from Tampa, FL for his victory at the 2008 West Central All American Soap Box Derby!

Reed found out about the derby race just a few weeks prior to the 2008 Stock Championship race. While playing in a field adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa, he noticed some derby cars set up at the club. Curious, he walked over to where Mark Ferdinand & Tony Holbrook were putting on a derby clinic and started dreaming about racing one these cool cars. Armed with information that Mr. Holbrook gave him, Reed ran home and told his dad about it. Less than an hour later with Dad in tow, they showed up at the club and Mark showed them how to get started.

And the rest is history. Reed has always loved driving - from battery operated cars to an occasional stint behind the wheel with his Dad on the farm. And now the West Central Stock Derby Champ!

Good Luck in Akron, Reed!

Mark Ferdinand, Tampa SBD Co-Director, was honored with his 1977 All American Soap Box Derby shield that has resided in Akron, Ohio for the past 29 years. The ceremony was held during pre-race festivities where all the young racers were told about Mark's feat.

Mark was the 1977 Jr. Division World Champ. In an annual tradition, the shield and his likeness were raised at Derby Downs along with all other former champs during All American week in Akron, Ohio. This tradition was discontinued a few years ago and the Champ's shield made the trip from Akron to Tampa where it will be proudly displayed at his Clearwater home.

Congratulations, Mark and thank you for all you give back to the Derby!