Washington Soap Box Derby

More than 60 underage drivers will race down Capitol Hill in the Washington Soap Box Derby. Racers between the ages of eight and 17 years of age will compete in three All American Soap Box Derby race divisions: Stock, Super Stock and Masters. Each year, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Board of Directors has to present a formal request to Congress to obtain permission to conduct the race on the Capitol grounds, which includes that stretch of Constitution Avenue just in front of Union Station. The winners in each division will advance to the World Championship Soap Box Derby Race to be held in July in Akron, Ohio.

Date and Time: June 16, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Constitution Avenue on Capitol Hill, between New Jersey and Louisiana Avenues

All American Soap Box Derby Race Divisions

Stock division is the entry-level division for children from 8 through 14 years old who weigh up to 110 lbs. The Stock car comes as a ready to assemble kit. It is the easiest car to build and can be assembled in a weekend. Paint is not permitted in the Stock division, only stickers are allowed. A “Stock” division racer with wheels and owner supplied weights cost approximately $600.

Super Stock division is the second level division for children from 10 through 17 years old and weigh up to 150 lbs. The Super Stock car comes as a ready to assemble kit. This kit is a little harder to assemble than the Stock car. Painting the car to your design is allowed. A “Stock” division racer with wheels and owner supplied weights cost approximately $650, plus the cost of painting if desired.

Masters division is the highest level of Soap Box Derby Racing. It is for children from 10 through 17 years old and weigh up to 170 lbs. The Masters kit includes molded fiberglass parts, running gear and a floorboard. It finishes out as a roomy lay back style car. The construction of a typical Masters car can take 1 to 2 months. It is a serious project for those wishing to learn skills in aerodynamics, auto bodywork, and simple mechanics.

To get in touch with the race director about becoming a racer or donating to the organization (a Section 501(c)(3)non-profit), send an email to washingtonsbd@yahoo.com. For more information about the race, see the Greater Washington DC Soap Box Derby and All American Soap Box Derby