What Is the Soap Box Derby?
In 1933, an Ohio newspaper photographer witnessed something while on assignment. Myron Scott of the Dayton Daily News came across a group of boys racing homemade cars. He was so enthralled by the idea that he acquired the copyright for Soap Box Derby and began searching for a sponsor to help put on a national racing competition.
The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held the following year in Dayton, Ohio. Bob Turner, 11, of Muncie, Indiana, won the inaugural event. The competition was moved to Akron in 1935, raced down Tallmadge Avenue Hill, because of its central location and hilly terrain. The competition is now held specifically at Derby Downs, built in 1936.
What is the Soap Box Derby?
As an international non-profit organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, while creating a meaningful experience through collaboration, and honest and fair competition, The Soap Box Derby hosts events year-round in an effort to continue education through S.T.E.M. programs (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
Participants race homemade cars without engines, utilizing gravity in order to speed downhill faster than their opponents. There are official plans and certain parts permitted when building a Stock Car, Super Stock Car or Masters Car depending on age group. Cars are inspected all the time to deter participants from cheating. In 1973, champion Jimmy Gronen of Boulder, Colorado, was disqualified after an electromagnet was found in his car.
How can participants qualify?
There are three age groups for participants: Stock Division (7-13), Super Stock Division (9-18) and Masters Division (10-20). In order to participate in the annual All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) World Championship held each July in Akron, participants can qualify via one of three means: local race program, rally program or international program. There are more than 1,300 local Soap Box Derby events held around the world annually.
Local race program—Win a local AASBD-licensed race near your residence to earn the title of “Local Champion” and entry into the World Championship against fellow Local Champions.
Rally program—Participants earn points through various AASBD-licensed rally races throughout the United States and Canada. Earn enough points to win a “Rally Regional Title.” Winners of these titles are considered a “Rally Champion” and earn the right to race fellow Rally Champions at the World Championship.
International program—Countries outside of the United States are able to host AASBD-licensed races. Winners of these international races are considered a “Local Champion” and are eligible to competed in the World Championship against other Local Champions.
Can girls participate?
The competition first admitted girls in 1971. Four years later, Karren Stead, 11, of Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania, became the first girl to win the All-American Soap Box Derby.
When is the 2017 event?
The 2017 All-American Soap Box Derby is July 16-22 at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. More than 425 boys and girls from around the United States, Canada, Japan and New Zealand will compete. Winners of the three divisions will split $36,000 worth of college scholarships.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.