 |
In Dayton, Ohio in 1933, a photographer named Myron Scott saw boys racing homemade cars and asked them to return in a week with all their friends for a real race. He promised that prizes would even be awarded to the winners. One week later 19 boys showed up, and Soap Box Derby was born. The Dayton races were moved to Akron, Ohio in 1938 - the same year as the first annual Washington D.C. All-American Soap Box Derby. 224 boys showed up for opening day in D.C. and Norman Rocca of Southeast D.C. was named champion. Over 9,700 boys and girls have competed since 1938. These are the rules they all followed:
1. Our races are not timed to calculate speed down the hill.
2. Our races are a double elimination timer swap race, this gives each entrant the maximum chance to possibly win the race and have more rides down the hill. Each heat with an opponent consists of two phases. We measure the "time differential" between the two racers and the heat winner is determined by who wins the two phases by the largest margin. One phase in each lane, and one phase with each set of wheels. This takes the differences in the lanes and in each set of wheels into account and eliminates the "luck factor" in the race.
3. Additionally, you must lose two overall heats before being eliminated from the race. We will also race off for places down to eighth place in each division except masters which will be sixth place.
|
 |
| The box car races take place on New Hampshire Ave., within walking distance from the Capital Building and all the popular monuments in D.C. |
 |
| Most builders have their creations delivered on small flatbed trailers. |
 |
| Boy and girl builders show and test their finished soap box derby products. |
 |
| Derby enthusiasts are welcomed into the display and test area to get a closer look. |
 |
| The pit crew attaches a fresh set of tires before the next heat. |
 |
| Looks as if this concession stand is maintained and supported entirely by children. |
 |
| The "all clear" signal is transmitted to the starter. |
 |
| "Racers to your mark..." as the crowds cheer on and the next on deck pull up right behind. |
 |
| "get set..." and the racers disapear into their sleek vessels. |
 |
| "Go!" and they're off, headed straight down New Hampshire Ave. as so many kids before them. |
 |
| Not quite a photo finish, but exciting to watch children travel at these speeds nonetheless. |
 |
| Racer #318 pushes his rig back up toward the pits for a fresh set of tires and another crack at the trophy. Here's an idea for the powers behind these races: how about getting these kids some race shirts that fit. I noticed that all the official T-shirts worn by the racers were mostly oversized. These kids look like they're wearing hand-me-downs for crying out loud! (go back up to that concession stand picture) |
|
