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 boybuilt 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 AllAmerican 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.

Website: http://www.grsbd.com/