LISTEN: EAGLE's Derek Beck spoke this week with Wild West Soap Box Derby local director Dave Barrett about this Saturday's (June 7) big races in Ogallala.
OGALLALA, Neb. — The Wild West Soap Box Derby is back in high gear this Saturday, June 7, as racers from across the region compete in the prestigious FirstEnergy All-American Championship Race and the Super Kids Classic at the derby track in Ogallala.
Local Director Dave Barrett joined Sandhills Post this week to preview the big event, which will determine which young drivers advance to the world championships in Akron, Ohio, July 13–19. Ogallala’s race is one of about 100 nationwide where champions automatically qualify for the global showdown.
“This is the one race each year that earns automatic bids to Akron,” said Barrett. “It’s really special — it’s free to attend, family-friendly, and the racing is incredibly competitive.”
The Super Kids Classic kicks off at 1 p.m., followed by stock, super stock, and masters division races starting around 1:45 p.m. Spectators can expect three to four hours of action, including the drivers’ parade and opening ceremonies. The race follows a double-elimination format.
Unique to soap box derby racing, competitors draw from a “wheel bank” to ensure fairness, swapping wheels and lanes with each opponent. “It’s about as even as it gets,” Barrett said. “You can’t win with tricked-out wheels — the racing is decided by skill.”
Last year, Ogallala celebrated a world champion when local racer Ethan Auwerda won the Super Kids title in Akron. Another local, Diego Juarez, finished as runner-up in the Super Stock Rally division. Region 4, which includes Nebraska and surrounding states, remains one of the most competitive in the nation.
Barrett credited the Ogallala Optimist Club and Pinnacle Bank — sponsors since the track opened 19 years ago — as key partners in making the event possible. Eichner’s Sales and Service also donated a $2,000 grill to support the derby’s fundraising efforts.
“Without sponsors and volunteers, we couldn’t put on an event like this,” said Barrett, noting the loss of fireworks sales this year left a funding gap.
Spectators are encouraged to bring the whole family to enjoy racing, food from the Derby Diner, and community fun. The event is free to attend, and raffle tickets are available to support the program.
For more information, visit wildwestsoapboxderby.org or attend the races Saturday at the derby track north of Ogallala.