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The Green Bay Area Soap Box Derby is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created and run solely by volunteers.
We depend upon our volunteers' donation of their time, and upon tax-deductible donations from our sponsors. |
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Wisconsin has a rich history with Soap Box Derby Racing. Local Championship races have been held in the Green Bay area dating back to 1948.
The Green Bay Area Soap Box Derby is a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers that promotes the sport of Soap Box Derby Racing in all of North Central and North Eastern Wisconsin. We believe racing should be a learning experience and, most of all, FUN!
Our program includes opportunities for all children including "Super Kids", a division that enables children with physical or cognitive challenges to participate in soap box derby racing with the assistance of an experienced driver. Soap Box Derby racing levels the playing field so all participants have a chance of winning regardless of their physical or cognitive capabilities.
We are always looking for new racers and are happy to encourage, mentor and assist you to become competitive quickly as you get started in this great family sport. |
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The All-American Soap Box Derby is a youth gravity racing program for boys and girls ages 8 through 17 years old. The program actively promotes the core values of teamwork, perseverance, and the spirit of competition with an emphasis on the family unit. This is a unique program in that it encourages close parent-child activities while building and racing the car. Parents can learn new skills while teaching children the proper use of tools. The youth is encouraged to do as much of the work as their level permits.
The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since it began in 1934 -- to promote families working together, and to teach children some basic skills through:
- Community Service: Soap Box Derby racers experience the value of a community working together for the betterment of all. It takes help from all to run a race.
- Teamwork: From assembling their cars to working with their own pit crew, Soap Box Derby racers must meet the challenges of effective teamwork.
- Leadership: As kids mature they learn to provide leadership and mentoring to the younger racers.
- Diversity: Our Super Kids program enables children with physical or cognitive challenges to participate in soap box derby racing with the assistance of an experienced driver. Also, racing provides children of varying backgrounds and cultures an opportunity to interact as they meet children from around the country and, in the case of the World Championships, other countries as well. Our diverse group of racers learn and have fun together. Kids make new friends!
- Science and Technology: Soap Box Derby racers apply basic contruction skills while learning how to utilize the principles of conservation of energy and aerodynamics.
- Family Bonds: Soap Box Derby helps bring families together by having a common goal to work toward together.
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World Championship finals are held late July or early August at Derby Downs, which is a dedicated facility 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 the duration of World War II, youngsters from throughout the United States and several foreign countries have come to Akron with the gravity racers they have built and driven to victory in their home communities. |
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Divisions
 Stock Division: The Stock division is for racers age 8-13 years old. 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-Glas 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. 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-Glas 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 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.
Have a fun building experience and good luck! |
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Read more...
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 Step one: Check out the All-American Soap Box Derby website for comprehensive derby information. To locate the nearest race city, simply click on the state map over your home location. Their online store has all the information you need to order racing kits and parts. Their rule book can be downloaded for your review, and their message board is a good place to learn about Derby racing.
Next, you can contact your local Derby director for information on racing in your area and to find information on construction clinics and other programs that may be of assistance to you.
 Third: Decide which type of car you wish to build. Your local derby director will be able to help you with this information. You also may want to look for a sponsor to help underwrite the cost of your racer. You will normally need to purchase a car kit and a set of Z-Glas racing wheels. All kits and parts for Soap Box Derby racing must be purchased through the All-American Soap Box Derby.
Fourth: Read the official plans and build your car exactly as the instructions indicate. Plan to attend construction clinics if they are available in your area. These clinics are intended to help you understand the regulations and guide you in building a safe and competitive car.
Finally: In addition to racing in your local race, you may participate in rally races as well. You will gain experience and with each trip down the hill, build the bond between driver and parent/guardian, and make new friends along the way. |
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