|
What is the Soap Box Derby?
The
Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program, which has run nationally since
1934. World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in
Akron, Ohio.
The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of
Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott. He covered a race of boy-built cars
in his home community and was so impressed with this event that he
acquired a copyright for the idea and began development of a similar
program on a national scale.
The first All-American race was held in Dayton in 1934. The following
year, the race was moved to Akron because of its central location and
hilly terrain. In 1936, Akron civic leaders recognized the need for a
permanent track site for the youth racing classic and, through the
efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Derby Downs became a
reality.
Each year since, with the exception of during World War II, youngsters
from throughout the United States and several foreign countries have
come to Akron with the race cars they have built and driven to victory
in their home communities.
The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since it began
in 1934. It is to teach youngsters some of the basic skills of
workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue
a project once it has begun.
In 1977 the National Derby Rallies, Inc. (The NDR) was organized
for the purpose of fostering individual development in youths through a
structured program of Soap Box Derby-type racing and related
activities. The program was designed to give families involved in
gravity powered, amateur-built race cars, numerous opportunities to race
throughout the year. The All-American Soap Box Derby added the rally
program to their racing program.
There will be three racing divisions in most locals and at the
All-American competition. The Stock division is designed to give the
first-time builder a learning experience. Boys and girls, 8 through 17
compete in simplified cars built from kits purchased from the
All-American. These kits assist the Derby novice by providing a
step-by-step layout for construction of a basic lean forward style car.
The Super Stock Car division gives the competitor an opportunity to
expand their knowledge and build a more advanced model. Both of these
beginner levels make use of kits and shells available from the
All-American. These entry levels of racing are popular in race
communities across the country, as youngsters are exposed to the Derby
program for the first time.
The Masters division offers boys and girls, 10 through 17, an advanced
class of racer to try their creativity and design skills. Masters
entrants can build a lay down or lean forward style car from scratch or
they may purchase a Masters Kit and fiberglass body shell from the
All-American as options.
|
|
|
|
Divisions:
Stock Division
The Stock Division is for racers age 8-13 years
old. Stock Cars can accommodate a racer up to (approx.) 5’3" tall and
125 lbs. The Stock Car, a lean-forward design, is sold as a kit which
includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas
Racing Wheels and weights. Because painting is not permitted on the
Stock Car shell, drivers have their choice of purchasing one of three
colored shells: red, white or blue. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to
assemble their Stock Division Car.
Super Stock
Division
The Super Stock Division, is designed for
racers age 10-17 years old. Super Stock Cars can accommodate a larger
racer up to (approx.) 6’0" tall and 150 lbs. The Super Stock , a
lean-forward designed car, is also sold as a kit which includes
everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas Racing Wheels
and weights. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Super
Stock Division Car. Participants in this division may paint their car
shell.
The Masters division is for racers age 10-17
years old and is usually driven by the more experienced drivers. Masters
Cars can accommodate a child up to (approx.) 6’0" tall and 160 lbs.
Because of the lay-down design of the Masters Car, smaller drivers can
also be competitive in this division. Participants in this division may
paint their car body.
Master
Division
|
