11.20.2011
Soap Box Derby
In 1933 Myron Scott, a photographer for a Dayton, Ohio newspaper, put together an impromptu race for 19 boys. There was so much interest that Scott arranged a bigger race, with prize money. An amazing crowd of 362 kids showed up with homemade cars built of orange crates, sheet tin, wagon and baby-buggy wheels. The following year, the first All-American race was held on August 19. The national winner was Robert Turner of Muncie, IN, who made his car from the wood of a saloon bar. Robert Turner received a $500 scholarship from Chevrolet for his win – a great deal of money during the depression. An accident in 1935 captured the public’s interest, and boosted the event’s profile. A car went off the track and struck NBC’s top commentator and sportscaster Graham McNamee while he was broadcasting live on the air. Despite a concussion and other injuries (which would necessitate a two-week hospital stay), McNamee described the collision to his listeners and finished his broadcast.
In 1971, girls were allowed to compete. Today, celebrities attend the event which now has 6 divisions to accommodate different age classes. Hundreds of cars and tens of thousands of spectators are now in attendance. The event has grown so large that AKA Media gets creative and provides an AASBD race week landing page featuring all the Soap Box Derby Social Media outlets.
