We’re sure these will be going around Waynesboro, VA in the next few days.

What better place to start than the Library. Karen Vest was waiting and ready for us with not only 2 decades worth of news clippings but also had her hands on microfilm from The News Virginian that helped us paint a better picture of the race in Waynesboro.

We began our cart viewing experience at Mountain Laurel Studios. With a tip from the Heritage foundation. The cart here was run in 1966 as a part of the derby.

Next was seeing a more up to date cart with help from Whitney and Jake barker.

Saturday brought the car inspection. To begin the process the cars are loaded onto the track they will start the race on.

Then, a photo is taken by Norm Carter with The News Virginian.

The cart is then released from the ramp for a break test before going through the ringer.

The cars then go through a laborious inspection to make sure no illegal components are used. Everything must be up to Akrons’ regulations.

Jake and Whitney Barker look at the inner workings of one of their competitors cars.

The process carries on. Overall, more than 40 cars will pass through inspection.

Fathers and members of the board take a break before working on a newly arrived car.

Gabe and Noah Hilty screw the shell of an entry to the base after making it through inspection.

Once the shell is secure the cars are brought over to the weigh station. The maximum weight of the car is fully dependent on what class you’re racing. Here, A stock car is wheeled on, it’s max weight with driver is 200lbs.

A racer assumes his driving position for the weight test.

A sticker graphic from one of the racers cars with the national logo on the helmet.

We caught 1997 Akron winner and World Champion Mark Stephens on Main street to talk about the derby and revisit the track.

Mayor Bruce Allen was kind enough to speak on the derby, his involvement, and the community aspect of the race despite an upcoming election.

Father of racers, past stock car racer, and board member Chad Harris was great in filling us in on what the sport meant to Waynesboro and the family aspect of the event.

On Sunday, racers were given the opportunity to take practice runs in neighboring Staunton. Joe Kaminski is helpped by a first time racer in unloading a car.

The rest of the cars being unloaded.

A racer prepares for her run.

The open road.

After practice the cars are brought back to storage.

A practice car once owned by long time board member Gary Whiteshell is dried off before it’s next use.

A storage area for past cars which has come to look like something of a museum for the spork in Waynesboro. Cars here dated back as far as the 50’s.

Main Street Waynesboro, In less than 2 weeks time the more than 40 racers will be taking to this very street for their chance to be named champion and go on to represent their town at Akron.