Houlton Racers At All-American Soap Box Derby [VIDEO]

11-year-old Matt Connelly and 14-year-old Emily Shaw, both from Houlton, are two of hundreds of kids at the 80th All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio this week hoping to win a national championship.

Don't think a kid from Maine can win? Hampden's Mallory Bruen (see photo below) won the Super Stock Division championship in Akron a year ago after winning the state title in Houlton.

Shaw will try to make it back-to-back Super Stock champions from Maine. Connelly will compete in the Stock Division.

Houlton has been the hub for Soap Box racing in Maine since 1996. Shaw and Connelly won state titles last month and won the right to go to Akron. Check out some of the action...

NOTE: The Soap Box Derby has been held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio every year since 1934. Shaw and Connelly will join racers from all over the world in various events, including the 'Parade of Champions' on Main Street in Akron. The championship races take place on Saturday.