Travis Chambers to Compete in All-American Soap Box Derby Race

Not many kids can say they discovered their passion by being in a movie.

But , one of North Canton Patch’s past Whiz Kids, can. 

Last summer his mom, Sara Chambers, heard about a movie being made in Akron at Derby Downs. 

“We were excited to possibly be a part of a movie as extras,” Sara said. “The first day was raining but we still had a wonderful time and continued to go back and to different locations.”

The movie is 25 Hill. It’s a movie about keeping the tradition of the derby alive. (It actually was just featured in the Akron Beacon Journal.)

Sara said that Corbin Bernsen, the director of 25 Hill and also an actor in the movie, was reading about the derby and its financial difficulties and decided he wanted to help out.

“The movie is about a boy whose father buys him a soap box derby kit for his birthday in hopes of building it together but before he and his dad could build the car, the dad was deployed to Afghanistan,” Sara said. “I don’t want to give too much away.”

A passion was sparked in Travis. His love for the Soap Box Derby (SBD) had begun.

Just like the boy in the movie, on Travis’ 9th birthday (two months after being extras in the movie) his parents surprised him with a car kit.

“And in two weeks, after he built his car with the help of his dad, he raced down the hill at Derby Downs and took third place,” Sara said.  “We knew this was going to be something we would be doing for a long time. The derby family is very special.”

On June 12, Travis raced in the Local, where he represented North Canton and his Akron Suburban Local. Your local is determined by where you live. Travis is part if the Akron Local Suburban, which includes North Canton.

Travis took seventh place in his division at the Locals. In order to qualify for the the All-American, you must place in the top 10. Travis placed in the top 10 of all Ohio and West Virginia, making him All-American bound.

“If he places he will be thrilled,” Sara said. “It usually takes racers a couple years to get into the All-American. Travis’ focus, determination, ability to drive straight and interest in the SBD has helped him to become a good racer in only 10 months.”

The All-American race will take place July 23 at Derby Downs in Akron. There will be kids from 8-17 years old from all over the United States, and even some from other countries, racing in the All-American.

SBD racing has brought the Chambers family closer together. They look forward to helping and cheering on Travis. When Sara’s two youngest kids turn 8, you can bet they will be racing as well, she said.

“Many have expressed to me a concern that parents and their kids simply don’t talk anymore,” Bernsen said. 

“They don’t communicate. Well, that’s what building a Soap Box Racer is all about!” 

The Chambers family has a lot to look forward to this summer. On July 4, they had a 25 Hill Soap Box Derby car for the , July 9 is the premier of 25 Hill and July 23 is the big All-American Championships, where Travis will race, keeping a 77-year-old-tradition alive.

Travis encourages other kids to get involved in SBD racing. His advice is simple:

“The best way to get involved with SBD racing is to go watch the All-American race in July, then go to the next rally and take a test drive down the hill."