What is the Soap Box Derby?

Soap Box Derby is a Family Experience

Soap Box Derby cars are gravity powered race-cars that boys and girls assemble and race. Although girls and boys should assemble the car by themselves, parents participate in every step, encouraging their children, offering advice and tools, helping them through the inspection and cheering them on at the race. The goals of the Soap Box Derby have not changed much since it started in 1934. It teaches basic skills in work ethics, the positive value of competition and perseverance.

The pictures below show the steps of a Soap Box Derby race. You build the car from the kit. We have several clinics and inspections before race day. They are an important part of the local Derby. Clinics are fun. You can get help with any problems you may run into, loan you tools or get you parts. You can meet your friends and make new ones. We can weigh you and your car to let you know how much weight you will need.

On Inspection Day, we inspect it to make sure that it is safe to race. Then you weigh in, and we help you put the weights in the best place. Afterwards, we keep your car safe until its time to race.

Race Day, as you look at the trophies, you know that one of them may be yours by the end of the day. At the drivers meeting, listen closely to the Race Director, he'll give you tips on how to race safely and fast. And then you see all the other kids you have to beat. But you're ready. They load your car on the starting ramp and you get in and snuggle down low into the cockpit. The gate goes down, you roll out and pick up speed, going faster and faster. And then you flash across the finish line, a winner! Your family and friends are so happy for you.