The annual event celebrated its 20th anniversary in Salem. It has been held on the first Saturday in June every year since 2006 when it was brought to Salem by Race Director Janet Keene and her husband Randy as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration.

Each year the race features a field of superstar racers with special needs aged 7 to 18 competing in a double elimination bracket with the assistance of volunteer “ghost drivers,” who control the soapbox cars, all at no cost thanks to the support and contributions of sponsors. The overall winner and two “wildcard racers” go on to compete at the National Super Kids Race at Derby Downs in Akron with their trips paid for by Quakertown Super Kids.

This year’s race featured 15 competitors, and the overall winner was veteran racer and past champion Kyle Krawchyk. Kyle will be joined in his return to the National Super Kids Race by fellow veteran racers Noah Cutlip and Mikey Lanney. However, at the Quakertown Super Kids Race all racers are champions and were presented with a trophy commemorating their efforts.

Saturday’s race also featured a performance of the national anthem by Mason Brown, an invocation by Sherbe Zorich, and an official proclamation from Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey declaring June 6, 2026 “Quakertown Super Kids” day in Salem.

This year’s race was won by Kyle Krawchyk. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Janet Keene said that 20 years on she still loves the race, and that its positive influence has kept her going year after year. She said that the event helps the racers to feel confident and make positive relationships, and that she had been told by one racer that winning the derby felt “like winning the Super Bowl, Indianapolis 500, and the Daytona 500 all at once,” while another racer who needed crutches to walk told their mother that while racing they didn’t feel disabled.

“The kids are all incredible and seeing how much this means to them has really kept me going,” Keene said.

That influence extends beyond the racers to the volunteers and other young people in the community, with the Salem High School Key Club, Interact Club, and football team all regularly helping to run the race over the years. Janet said that the race has also always received strong community support, with the soapbox cars all having been built over the years by service and nonprofit organizations. She also noted that the race has received especially strong support from local veterans who sponsor racers, assist with running the race, and cheer on the racers each year.

“I’m happy for the amazing support I’ve had from the community for the last 20 years, and everyone that has been in the mayor’s office has always been very supportive,” Keene said.

Saturday’s race marked the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another as Keene’s final year as director. She will be succeeded by the team of current Quakertown Super Kids Treasurer Betty Brothers, Track Manager David Halverstadt and Committee Member Brenda Halverstadt, who have been assisting with the race for 15 years, seven years and five years, respectively.

Officer Rich Miller presents Kevin Beverly Jr. with his “driver’s license” before the beginning of the race. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Keene said that while she was stepping back from her role as director amid health challenges, she would still be involved with the race and assisting the new team for next year’s race and that she had been training them to take over prior to this year’s race.

“I’ve had some great people helping and working with me that will keep it going,” Keene said.

The new directors all said that the race was a special event for everyone involved and that they were proud to be entrusted to oversee its future.

“We’ve all been involved for several years now and we’re looking forward to continuing. This is a great event; it really is. It’s great for the kids and it’s great for the volunteers to see the joy they get. We’re excited to carry it forward for Jan,” David Halverstadt said.

“It’s amazing how many volunteers come out for this event. The community really comes together for it every year and that’s part of what makes it so special,” Brenda Halverstadt said.

Shown are Kyle Krawchyk, left, and Ghost Driver Jasmine Shultz. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown are Leo Bertram, left, and Ghost Driver Jasmine Shultz. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown are Aiden Lipillo, left, and Ghost Driver Paige Menough. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown are Mikey Lanney, left, and Ghost Driver Paige Menough. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown are Emmalee Mead, left, and Ghost Driver Danika Anderson. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The 20th annual Quakertown Super Kids soap box derby was held on Broadway Avenue Saturday featuring 15 racers. Each year the race features a field of superstar racers with special needs aged 7-18 competing in a double elimination bracket with the assistance of volunteer “Ghost Drivers,” who control the soapbox cars, all at no cost to their families. Race Director Janet Keene said that the soapbox cars have been recorded reaching top speeds of 28 to 30 mph. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)