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Thank You Thursday - Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems

Meggitt Braking Zone at Derby Downs

On July 2, 2014 the International Soap Box Derby announced a new partnership with Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, one of the world’s leading aircraft wheel and brake suppliers and headquartered in Akron, Ohio.

A newly created Meggitt Braking Zone was added to the end of the world famous Derby Downs track. Gravity racers now have a visual point to focus on when bringing their cars to a stop in the Meggitt Braking Zone after making the 989 foot trip down the track.

A safety video, presented by Meggitt, was added to the checklist of all drivers participating in the many events at Derby Downs throughout the year. Drivers watch an entertaining video of how to operate a car when traveling down the track at 30 m.p.h.

“Meggitt is proud to be a sponsor of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby and contribute to the growth of a wonderful tradition for the Akron community,” said Meggitt President Haluk (Luke) Durudogan. “We are pleased to assist in providing the leaders of tomorrow with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through participation in the Derby.”

Meggitt is also a partner of the Derby’s Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition. They provide three cars each year to schools participating in the program. The past two years cars have been donated to area schools participating in the High School Engineering Design Challenge (formerly called the Open Class Division).

“We’re thrilled to have the support and participation of such a successful international company,” said Derby President and CEO Joe Mazur. “We are especially excited that Meggitt is a partner in the Gravity Racing Challenge program which continues to be a great source of inspiration for future engineers.”

The Derby would like to say THANK YOU to Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems for helping us continue our mission of building knowledge and character, and creating meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition.

This is the fifth installment of our weekly “Thank You Thursday” feature. Each week we will offer a heartfelt “Thank You” to a corporation, civic or community leader, volunteer, foundation or an individual who has helped us continue our mission. To view previous features please click below.

Thank You Thursday
Thursday, September 29, 2016 - FirstEnergy Corp.
Thursday, October 6, 2016 - Don Plusquellic
Thursday, October 13, 2016 - Bill Ginter
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - Marous Brothers Construction