Allentown, Pa – America On Wheels (AOW) introduces its new rotating “Mini-Exhibits” with a display of more than two dozen Soapbox Derby cars representing more than 70 years of the American youth racing tradition affectionately known as the “Gravity Grand Prix.”

The Mini Exhibits will be on display until Jan. 2 and are designed to increase the flexibility of the museum’s display space, allow for more frequent rotation of popular trends in transportation history and encourage repeat visits from AOW’s growing fan base. The Soapbox Derby exhibit includes some of the most notable homemade cars in the history of the Derby, including several raced locally over the years.

“This really is a unique exhibit for America On Wheels because it provides a glimpse of a great American tradition and a sport that encouraged family involvement through the years,” said AOW Executive Director Linda Merkel. “The Soapbox Derby introduced generations of boys and girls to the thrills of racing and helped instill a passion for racing and automobiles.”

America On Wheels opened in April 2008 as the cornerstone of the City of Allentown’s redevelopment plans for the Lehigh River waterfront between the Hamilton Street and Tilghman Street bridges just off Front Street. Since the opening it has drawn more than 41,000 visitors, including dignitaries such as U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, Italian automobile collector Nichola Bulgari and famed Indy 500 racer Mario Andretti.

Easily accessible to a half-dozen other renowned cultural institutions in Allentown, AOW celebrates our nation’s love affair with motorized and non-motorized over-the-road transportation and its permanent exhibits range from the Nadig – one of America’s first automobiles, produced in Allentown – to the massive Mack Trucks that helped America become the most powerful nation in the world.

AOW also offers hands-on playtime exhibits and learning centers for the children and a souvenir shop for race fans and anyone with an affinity for our automotive legacy.

For more information: Visit the museum’s website at www.americaonwheels.org, call the museum staff at 610-432-4200, or e-mail your questions to director@americaonwheels.org.

America On Wheels is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $3.50 for students ages 6 to 16. Children 5 and under are admitted free.