celebrates surge in participation for this year's event
Washington, DC -- On June 17, an unprecedented number of unlicensed, underage,
drivers will race down Capitol Hill. The Washington Soap Box Derby, running
since 1938, with the largest field in decades, will celebrate its 65nd run on
Saturday, June 17 beginning at 8:30 a.m. More than 60 area racers between the
ages of eight and 17 years of age, a 50 percent increase over last year’s
field, will put their motorless machines to the test in one of America’s most
enduring summer pastimes.
The event features competition in all three All American Soap Box Derby race
divisions: Stock, Super Stock and Masters.
Stock division is the entry-level division for children from 8 through 13
years old who weigh up to 115lbs. 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 approx. $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 approx. $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. While
the project is substantial, the rewards include the of building a beautiful
car and racing at the highest level of the sport.
The winners in each division will advance to the World Championship Soap Box
Derby Race to be held July 22 in Akron, Ohio.
Special Event Preview Photo Opportunity: Washington Soap Box Derby Inspection
Day will be held on Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. 3:00 p.m. at Little Falls
Mall, 4701 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD. All registered racers will present
their cars for inspection and certification to race on June 18.
WHEN: Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Constitution Avenue on Capitol Hill, between New Jersey and Louisiana
Avenues
SPONSORS: Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) 25th
year! Case Design and Remodeling, Militec-1, Sheets Wholesale Inc, Levis
Signature Brand, Signs-by-Tomorrow
