For the first time in 40 years, Soap Box racers are rolling in Newark.

Nearly 20 young drivers took part in yesterday’s gravity-powered exhibition races on a sloping city block.

The cars assembled from kits, were driven by students from Newark-area schools. They were cheered on by a few dozen spectators.

Juan Silva, the founder of organizer Our Youth Now, said the group hopes to make the competition an annual event. Next year’s winner will win a spot in the national Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.