Organizers of Akron's All-American Soap Box Derby are allowing their facility to be used for more private and public outside events as part of a plan to improve the once-bleak financial picture.
Use of Derby Downs had been limited to derby races because officials worried the asphalt track could be damaged. But the nonprofit has opened the track and its buildings to use by other organizations. President Joe Mazur estimates events such as races, camps and corporate meetings could generate up tp 50-thousand dollars a year. This year's events include a youth leadership group meeting, a fundraising foot race, and summer camps for youngsters to build derby race cars.