The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program for both girls and boys ages 7-21 and has run nationally since 1934. World Championship finals are held each August at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio for the All America Soap Box Derby Association. The Championships for the National Derby Rallies are held in different locations annually.
The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of newsman Myron Scott from Dayton, Ohio. He covered a race of boy-built cars is his home community and was so impressed with the event the he acquired a copyright for the idea and began development of a similar program on a national scale.
THE SOAP BOX DERBY TODAY
The All American SoapBox Derby and the National Derby Rallies (NDR) are the two main organizations that sanction races and hold championship races each year. The Greater Des Moines Soapbox Derby Association works with both organizations.
WHAT ARE
THE DIFFERENT RACING DIVISIONS?
Stock Division: The Stock division is for racers age 8-13 years old (7 through 17 for NDR). Stock cars can accommodate a racer up to (Approximately) 5'3" tall and 125 pounds. The Stock car, a lean-forward design, is sold as a kit which includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glass 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 (8-21 for NDR). Super Stock cars can accommodate a larger racer up to (Approximately) 6'0" tall and 150 pounds. 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-Glass racing wheels and weights. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Super Stock division car.
Masters Division: The Masters division (also known as Scottie) is for racers age 10-17 (10-21 for National Derby Rallies) years old and is driven by the more experienced drivers. Masters cars can accommodate a child up to (Approximately) 6'0" tall and 160 pounds. Because of the lay-down (enclosed) design of the Masters car, small drivers are also competitive in this division.
* Ages for
All-American drivers are based on the driver’s age on August 1st. For
NDR rallies ellgibility is based on the driver's age the day of the race.
