 
First Soap Box Derby
Dayton, in 1934, held the first "All-American Soap
Box Derby," a race that has sparked interest in automotive engineering in
thousands of young people. There were 34 entries in the
first derby, which quickly became a national sensation. Local competitions
still are held around Ohio counties, with winners coming to the event’s
home in Akron, Ohio every July for the World Championship race.
Myron Scott's Idea
Myron Scott was a journalist who came up
with the idea of the "Soap Box Derby." He had been reporting on a race
that only allowed "home-built" race cars in Dayton Ohio. He then
copyrighted the idea and helped spread the idea nationally. The first
"All-American Soap Box Derby" was held in Dayton in 1934, but moved to
Akron in 1935 for a more challenging terrain. The sport was so popular
that a permanent track called the "Derby Downs" was built in Akron in
1936. Derby Downs was built in a city park near the Akron Municipal
Airport and the
Goodyear Air Dock, where
the dirigibles Macon and Akron were housed. A 1600-foot cement-paved raceway
was constructed with three ten-foot lanes. The distance the cars
would actually travel was 1175 feet.
The Rules
 In
1937, a few new rules came into play. The age limits were changed from 6-16 to
9-15 years, and prior winners could no longer compete. Also, no car could
cost more than $10 and adult involvement was strictly prohibited.
Today's rules
are a little more complicated.
These days, The All-American Soap Box Derby
Championship is still held annually in Akron and is comprised of 440 qualifiers
from the U.S. and foreign countries. Each competitor builds his or her own
gravity-powered car, with assistance from a parent or other adult, from kits
purchased from the All-American Soap Box Derby. The first, second, and third place winners in each
division and age group are now awarded college scholarships (up to $5,000).
Did You Know?
- In 1934, the winners of the Soap Box Derby
were Robert Turner (Muncie, IN) followed by Claude Alexander (Chattanooga, TN)
and Jack Fusternberg (Omaha, NE). As first place winner in 1934, Robert Turner
earned $500. He won by only 1.4 seconds.
- Scott named the Chevrolet Corvette.
- Prior competitors in the Derby include:
Johnny Carson (former Tonight Show host), Tom Sneva (1983 Indy 500 champion),
and Cale Yarborough (multiple NASCAR WC champion).
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