The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program which has run nationally since 1934. World Championship finals are held each 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 permanent track site for the youth racing classic and, through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Derby Downs became a reality.
 Each year since, with the exception of during World War II, 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 divisions in most locals 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 17 compete in simplified cars built from kits purchased from the All-American. These kits assist the Derby novice by providing a step-by-step layout for construction of a basic lean forward style car. The Super Stock Car division 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. 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 division offers boys and girls, 10 through 17, an advanced class of racer to try their creativity and design skills in. Masters entrants can build a laydown or lean forward style car from scratch or they may purchase a Masters Kit and fiberglass body shell from the All-American as options.
The goals of the Soap Box Derby program 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.
Noteworthy Stats
All four rubber companies and Chevrolet saw the Soap Box Derby as a great promotional event. Chevrolet along with John S Knight, owner of Akron Beacon Journal, influenced the move from Dayton to Akron because, Chevy bought tires from rubber companies and Chevy advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Most famous people to attend AASBD:
- Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan
- Jimmy Stewart 6X
- Tom Hanks
- Michael Gross (Family Ties)
- Bonanza cast appeared in 1962 & 1964
- Dina Shore – most famous woman to attend
- Several Miss Americas
Most Famous Racer – Johnny Carson
1936 - AASBD went International including a South African racer
1930's - Steel Wheels could be purchased from a private company
1948 - Steel Wheels became the Official wheel of the AASBD
1958 - First year AASBD issued wheels at All-American Race
1964 -Button Trading started
1982 - Went to plastic wheels for two reasons:
- Performance: Plastic wheels are closer in performance.
- Cost: $90 Plastic; $200 Steel Wheels
Starting / Finish Line Changes
Starting line down the hill 4 times the most recent in 1971 moved from 975 to 953. Moving down the hill was to lower speeds for safety reasons. The Finish Line was moved down one time.
- 1350 feet is the length of the hill from the top to the finish line
- 1150 feet was the length of the hill at its original starting line
- 953 is the current length of the hill from start to finish
Racer Attendance
- 2003 - 432 racers attended the AASBD
- 2004 - 483 racers attended the AASBD
- 2005 - Nearly 500 racers attended the AASBD; the most racers ever!
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United States.
