Damen Vincent, 17, of Falconer, began racing with the local Soap Box Derby team in 2013. The Soap Box Derby is a gravity car race in which racers build their own cars with the help of their parents and compete in races across the country. Locally, the race is held at the end of the year in Jamestown near Russell Diethrick Park. The local winners go on to compete at the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. There is also a rally in the fall open to anyone in the country, and kids ages 7 to 21 can race.

Vincent is one of four young volunteers of the Soap Box Derby program nationwide who have been selected to receive the program’s Youth Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes volunteers under the age of 21 who have made a positive impact on the Soap Box Derby through their leadership on the local, regional and national levels. Vincent has been a volunteer for the Jamestown Soap Box Derby since 2018 and became a member of the race committee in 2022.

Renee Williams, secretary for the Jamestown Area Soap Box Derby and Vincent’s aunt, said the group is excited to see Vincent be recognized in this way.

“We are very proud to have Damen representing Jamestown in receiving this prestigious award,” she said. “He is a very hard worker and really wants to see the Jamestown Area Soap Box Derby thrive for future generations of racers.”

Damen Vincent, a 17-year-old from Falconer, will receive a volunteer award for his efforts with the Soap Box Derby.

Vincent said he was nominated for the award by his race director and that the recipient of the award has to have been a racer and still active in volunteering for the program. Additionally, he said the Soap Box Derby is a good bonding experience for children and their parents, and that he has done many different things with the program over the years.

“I have won locally once and made it to the international championship three times,” Vincent said. “I made it by gaining rally points by traveling to different race cities. Now I serve on our race committees as a board member. I also am the director of the biggest fundraising event, which is an annual 9-pin no-tap bowling tournament.”

During the races Vincent can be found doing things in the pits, driving gators, or letting cars go at the top of the hill. He said he was very excited to be recognized with the volunteer award.

“When I was notified that I had received the award I was stoked,” Vincent said. “I knew all the work I had put in would pay off in the long run. I was even happier when I found out I would be out in Akron, Ohio, all week so I could help out at the track when all of the local drivers are at the track.”

The Soap Box Derby has been an important part of Vincent’s life, and one that he hopes he will be able to continue to be a part of for the rest of his life, whether himself personally or through his kids.

Damen Vincent has been racing with the local Soap Box Derby program since 2013 and became a volunteer in 2018. Submitted photo

“Throughout me just racing I have made friendships that would never have happened if it was not for the program,” Vincent said. “It also showed me that the amount of effort that you put into something is what you will get out of it. This has been the best part of my life and as long as I live I hope to keep this program going so I can watch my kids race because I think this is very important in helping kids meet new people and get sportsmanship skills.”

Also in the future, Vincent hopes to become the director and maybe even the regional director for region nine. He invited everyone to come out to the upcoming car show on July 29 at the Homestead Campground — 73 Frew Run Road, Frewsburgm — to see him and his car. Vincent said he can also help get interested people in contact with the group about getting a car for the fall rally at the end of September, or locally in the spring.

Vincent will be awarded the Youth Service Volunteer Award at the awards ceremony following the 85th First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron on Saturday, July 22.