The Heritage Center: Soap Box Derby champ

Twelve-year-old Lawrence Nicholl edged out a closed win against his older brother, Kenneth, to become “City Champion” of the 1951 Springfield Soap Box Derby. That win earned him a spot at the Soap Box Derby Nationals in Akron, Ohio that year. Although he didn’t take home the win, he kept the car and uniform for many years until giving them to the Heritage Center where they are on display to share the story. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Twelve-year-old Lawrence Nicholl edged out a closed win against his older brother, Kenneth, to become “City Champion” of the 1951 Springfield Soap Box Derby. That win earned him a spot at the Soap Box Derby Nationals in Akron, Ohio that year. Although he didn’t take home the win, he kept the car and uniform for many years until giving them to the Heritage Center where they are on display to share the story. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
news
By Staff report
Updated July 27, 2018
X

Twelve-year-old Lawrence Nicholl edged out a close win against his older brother, Kenneth, to become “City Champion” of the 1951 Springfield Soap Box Derby.

That win earned him a spot at the Soap Box Derby Nationals in Akron, Ohio that year. Although he didn’t take home the win, he kept the car and uniform for many years until giving them to the Heritage Center where they are on display to share the story.

RELATED:

ExploreThe Heritage Center: Car culture transforms Springfield
ExploreThe Heritage Center: Wartime support from back home
ExploreThe Heritage Center: Springfield’s legendary Gus Sun
In Other News
1
Best of Springfield 2025: Nominate and vote here
2
‘The Tale of the Four Yahtzees’ will take its place in family lore
3
Crowd protests during ‘No Kings’ rally in downtown Springfield
4
Yellow Springs nature gem Clifton Gorge opens new exploration center
5
Trump again singles out Springfield, immigrants in social media rant

About the Author

Staff report