August 2023

NeoSTEM visited the legendary Derby Downs track in Akron, home of the Gravity Racing Challenge. We learned soapbox racers first emerged in the early 1900s, even appearing in 1914’s Kid Auto Races film. We toured the winding 953-foot track and surrounding fairgrounds that today draw international racers. Participants raced one another in their box cars, reaching “thrilling” speeds for gravity-fueled vehicles. We shared tasty bites and discussed the innovation pathway – from imaginative kids tinkering in garages to engineers designing the next generation of transportation.