On July 21 crowd will gather at Derby Downs, Ohio, to cheer kids from all over the U.S. competing in the world championships of the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD).
In 1933, Ohio newsman Myron Scott photographed some boys coasting downhill in homemade cars. Those cars were crafted from soapboxes, orange crates, and scrap wood. From this Scott got the idea of organizing a competition, thus the All-American Soap Box Derby was born.
The first derby race cars were made from orange crates, soap boxes, sheet metal and even wheels off a baby stroller. Year after year the races kept getting bigger and the engineering of the cars improved. Derby racing has now blossomed into a worldwide event with enthusiasts around the globe.
For this year-round sport, boys and girls of ages 6 through 16 will compete in three racing divisions-Stock, Super Stock, and Masters. As the level goes up, the cars get bigger and fancier. These Derby cars don’t have engines but can reach speeds of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) an hour. Gravity powers the cars downhill.
Haystacks and orange cones are kept near the finish line to protect runaway derby drivers who may roll beyond. AASBD sells kits that include everything from the shell of the car to the steering wheel. This is a very exciting event and if you are in Ohio this summer, I suggest you not to miss it.
Source: Gadling
