Flint soap box derby returns to Cronin Derby Downs

FLINT, Mich. — Michigan’s only active soap box derby track will officially reopen Saturday, May 30, 2026, as the sixth annual Flint Soap Box Derby returns to Cronin Derby Downs.

Race day activities begin at 7:30 a.m. with vehicle inspections and safety checks, followed by a driver meeting and ribbon-cutting ceremony before racing starts at 9:05 a.m. The event, held at 1420 W. 12th St. behind Flint Southwestern, will also feature live music, fun runs and a post-race awards ceremony.

Named after former Flint Mayor Donald R. Cronin, the track became one of the pre-eminent soap box racing venues in the country and produced three All-American Soap Box Derby national champions between 1978 and 1983.

“We are deeply honored to return to Cronin Derby Downs, a City of Flint landmark that has an impressive legacy of racing and community events,” said Kevin Cronin, president and CEO of Flint Racing and STEM. “The restoration of our track is a prime example of collaboration and teamwork with the City of Flint.”

After a decades-long hiatus, the derby returned in 2019, using Chevrolet Avenue as the race venue until last year. Organizers say the program has since expanded into a broader STEM and youth development initiative serving students across southeast Michigan.

“We want to provide a highly engaging race day for the community to celebrate our program and our city.” Cronin said. “We also want to inspire interest in STEM/STEAM, cultivate the necessary skills to drive our community forward, and emphasize the importance of building something bigger than ourselves.”