2009 - 2010 race dates are now posted.

2009 All-American Chicago Local Soap Box Derby Champs

Jeff Shoopman Stock Champ

Melanie Kohout Super Stock Champ

Emerson Witte Masters Champ

2009 All-American Region 5 Rally Champs

Sheri Lazowski Super Stock

Claire Kohout Masters

Jim Overmyer Masters

GENERAL DERBY INFORMATION

The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program for boys and girls ages 8 - 17. This is a unique program in that it encourages close parent-child activities while building and racing the car. The construction of the gravity race car reinforces the importance of setting and completing goals while developing traits such as self-confidence, perseverence, and craftsmanship. Parents can learn new abilities while teaching children the proper use of tools. The youth is encouraged to do as much of the work as their level permits.
                              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 late July or early August 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 premanent track site for the youth racing classic and, through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Derby Downs became a reality.
Every year since, with the exception of during World War ll, youngsters from throughout the United States and several foreign countries have come to Akron with the racers they have built and driven to victory in their home communities.
There will be three racing division in most local and rally races 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 14 compete in simplified cars built from kits purchased from the All-American Soap Box Derby. These kits assist the derby novice by providing step-by-step layout for construction of a basic lean forward style race car.
The Super Stock division is designed for boys and girls ages 10 - 17 and 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 form the All-American Soap Box Derby. 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/Scotty division offers boys and girls, 10 through 17, an advanced class of racer to try their creativity and design skills in. Masters entrants will build a laydown race car that they purchase from the All-American Soap Box Derby.
The goals of the Soap Box Deby have not changed since it began in 1934. They are 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.
For more info on the derby cars click on the derby cars link at the bottom.
For more info in the Chicago racing program click on the Chicago link and the rally/local link at the bottom.

If you are interested in scheduling a clinic, information meeting  or would like general information please call 630-841-8832 or email Stan Iglehart (western suburbs). If you would like information mailed to you please leave your name, address, and phone number.