Soap Box Derby: Sat, June 14, – Sun, June 15
Syracuse City School District students Participate in the Syracuse Soap Box Derby. Children ages 7 to 17 competed for the chance to represent Syracuse at the International Soap Box Derby World Championships.
The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program, which has run nationally since 1934. World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
According to the group’s web site, “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.
“The Stock division is designed to give the first-time builder a learning experience. Boys and girls, 7 through 13 compete in simplified cars built from kits purchased from the All-American.
The Super Stock Car division, ages 9 through 17, 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 from the All-American.
