tradition

THE ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX
DerbyDay
tradition
At the races
These items will help you enjoy your day at Derby Downs:
ROLLS ON
• Binoculars
• Autograph book
• Camera and video
camcorder
The running of the derby
from throughout the world converge on Akron
Keachids summer
for the running of the All-American
Soap Box Derby — the World Series of derby racing.
Racers qualify in one of two ways: by winning their
local championship or by collecting points through
invitational-style rallies. There are six world titles up
for grabs.
• Sunscreen
• Brimmed hat or cap
• Sunglasses with
UV protection
Tickets
Admission to the derby is $5 per person. Tickets are available at all Acme stores. Parking is free and shuttle transportation is provided.
Stock Car
Racer kit
Today’s car kits are bought
from the All-American Soap
Box Derby organization and
come with everything needed for car construction
except decal lettering and
optional weights.
Shell (body) made of
ABS plastic to be
fastened flush with
floorboard
Foam
cockpit pad
Floorboard is wood
and can be waxed or
tung-oiled on both
sides and edges.
Brake plunger
Steering
wheel
pushes a rubber
tread straight
down when
brake is applied
Brake
pedal
Axle stops
Wheels are
provided by the
derby.Fenders,
skirts or any type of wheel
enclosures are prohibited.
Steering/brake
assembly fastens to
govern
excessive
movement of
front axle
floorboard in one
centralized unit
Foot
brace
Then and now
Triplett Blvd.
Race divisions
Massillon Rd.
This Stock division car is similar to the
original model of 50 years ago. The old
brake system called a drag brake literally
meant just that - the racer’s brake was a
piece of wood that when applied would drag
on the road surface to slow and stop the car. The
steering column and wheel were more like a car’s,
being held by a shell-supporting
bulkhead and dated to the
origins of the derby.
Akron-Fulton International Airport
Each participant must take part in
the construction of his or her racer
and may be required to duplicate
selected construction steps for
race officials to demonstrate his or
her car-building abilities.
Participants may advance to
the next division at any time
within derby age requirements.
Tritt Ave.
Sponsor booths
Rubber Bowl
Summit Racing
Equipment
Car Show
e Wa
Geo
rg
Topside
shin
Derby
Downs
Hilbish Ave.
gton
B
lvd.
Grandstands
Stock division (entry level)
Ages: 8-17 years
Total weight allowed: 200 lbs.
ke Blvd.
Springfield La
Derby parking
(shuttle service to event site)
224
Kit car construction
Approx.
cost:
$400
Length - 76”
N
Emmitt Rd.
14”
high
To I-77
Getting there
8
59
77
Akron
Super Stock division (intermediate level)
76
Total weight allowed: 230 lbs.
224
Approx.
cost:
$425
Length - 76”
Derby Downs is on
George
Washington
76
Boulevard, between the
77
Akron Fulton International
Airport and the University
of Akron’s Rubber Bowl. (From
Akron, go south on Interstate 77,
then east on U.S. 224. Turn left on
the service road past the blimp
hangar and police will direct you to parking.)
Detail
area
Ages: 8-17 years
Kit car construction
241
14”
high
Masters division (advanced level)
Ages: 10-17 years
Total weight allowed: 255 lbs.
Constructed from scratch or kit
Maximum length - 84”
Approx.
cost:
$800
Maximum
28” high
The finish line bridge
The finish line bridge at Derby Downs was built in 2000, replacing an old
bridge that was erected during the Depression. Derby officials and the
media use the bridge for a bird’s-eye view of each heat, with racers
passing beneath the bridge as soon as they cross the finish line.
Photo by
KAREN SCHIELEY/Beacon Journal photographer
Illustration and graphics by
RICK STEINHAUSER/Beacon Journal artist
SOURCES: All-American Soap Box Derby, All-American Soap Box
Derby General Manager Jeff Iula, Beacon Journal research
Visit www.Ohio.com to see our recent derby coverage.