The excitement was palpable Saturday as the Soap Box Derby returned to Pottsville, where young racers took to the nearly 1,000-foot course on Laurel Boulevard to compete for a chance at national glory.
Split into two divisions — Stock and Super Stock — the derby kicked off with practice runs around 9:30 a.m., followed by official racing at 10:00 a.m. Spectators lined the boulevard to cheer on the drivers as their gravity-powered cars sped downhill in a test of both engineering and driving skill.
By mid-afternoon, the races concluded and the 2025 division champions were crowned. Each Grand Champion earned the opportunity to represent Pottsville on the national stage at the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, scheduled for July 19, 2025.
This year’s winners are:
Stock Division
- Grand Champion: Katherine Riegle - Sponsored by Naftzinger Used Auto Parts
- 2nd Place: Chiara Hoysock
- 3rd Place: Evelyn Brustos
- 4th Place: Fletcher Sterling
Super Stock Division
- Grand Champion: Jace Thomas- Sponsored by the Frackville Elks Lodge
- 2nd Place: Breelynn Becker
- 3rd Place: Kaden Ringo
- 4th Place: Alexandria Womer
There was no Masters Division competition this year, but the energy and turnout for the event proved the Soap Box Derby remains a tradition in Schuylkill County. With champions now gearing up for Akron, all eyes will be on Riegle and Thomas as they take the spirit of Schuylkill County to the national stage.
