PORT JERVIS, NY — The 25th running of the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby took place on June 14 under beautiful skies as more than 80 young drivers competed for the opportunity to represent Port Jervis on the world stage.

Drivers ranging in age from seven to 18 competed in four divisions: Stock, Super Stock, Super Kids and Masters. Throughout the day, racers demonstrated determination, sportsmanship and skill as they navigated the historic Sussex Street hill in front of enthusiastic spectators, family members and supporters.

The day’s festivities began with racing, followed by opening ceremonies that included a special Flag Day celebration in partnership with the City of Port Jervis. The ceremony honored the American flag and highlighted the community spirit that has made Derby Weekend a cherished local tradition for more than a quarter century.

“This year’s event was a tremendous success and a fitting celebration of our 25th derby,” said derby director Billy McKerrell. “The beautiful weather, outstanding competition and support from our volunteers, sponsors, families and community members made for an unforgettable day.”

The day’s division champions earned the honor of advancing to the Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron, OH on July 11. There they will represent Port Jervis against competitors from across the United States and around the world.

The race results for 2026 are:

Super stock

Champion: Landon Hunt

Second place: Adalena Volpe

Third place: Dominic Swingle

Fourth place: Gabriel Lehn

Super Kids

Champion: Hope Linder

Second place: Lucy McDermott

Third place: Parimala Cosgrove

Fourth place: Isabella Silva

Masters

Champion: Henry Lehn

Second place: Cody Russman

Third place: Mason Mastro

Fourth place: Kamryn Dain

Stock

Champion: Eliza Lehn

Second place: Brayden Boraski

Third place: Lena Snyder

Fourth place: Logan Shauger

Organizers extend their sincere gratitude to the City of Port Jervis, volunteers, sponsors, local elected officials and residents whose support helped make the event possible.

After a successful 25th running of the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby, the community now looks ahead with pride as its champions prepare to carry the Port Jervis tradition to Akron and compete on the world championship stage.

About the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby

The Port Jervis Soap Box Derby is a youth gravity-racing program that provides children and teenagers the opportunity to build confidence, develop technical skills, and experience the excitement of competition. The annual event has become a longstanding community tradition and serves as a qualifier for the Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron, OH.

The 2026 Port Jervis Soap Box Derby was presented by Tri-State Drywall and Acoustical and supported by several other sponsors, including Little Pediatrics and O’Connor Urgent Care, M&T Bank, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, All-County Mechanical Plumbing and Heating, and Royal Furniture.