Soap box racing

Written by: Victor, Reporter in ISFM

Introduction

In this article we will be talking about soap box racing. There will be a link to a google form quiz at the end, enjoy!

What is soap box racing? And Why “Soap Box”?

Soap box racing is a physical and artistic sport. It is physical because people often ride in a soap box and probably crash, and it is artistic because people get to design their soap box. Soap box racing is creating a kart that doesn’t have a motor and decorating it, then you race down a hill and try to dodge obstacles (bumps, water and more). Soap box racing is considered a funny sport because you can decorate your soap box in any way you want. The name “Soap box” comes from how the children used soap crates to create their karts. They also used items salvaged from junk to create their soap boxes. Nowadays Red Bull sponsors most soap boxing races. 

Origins

Soap box racing originated in Dayton, Ohio in 1993. It started with a Dayton Daily News photographer named Myron E. Scott who saw children playing and racing in karts made out of wooden soap crates and roller skates. He was then inspired to create the official Soap Box Derby in 1934. Soap boxes needed to be ridden down hills so the race moved to Akron, Ohio. It was a success and Chevrolet started sponsoring the sport. 

Artistic side

Soap box racing is very popular and very artistic. You can use any decorations that don’t unbalance or break your car/kart. People mostly choose pop culture, gaming, vintage and funny decorations. People use custom vinyl stickers that are resistant, for team names, numbers and sponsor logos.  

Written by Victor, Reporter and Manager in ISFM

Here is the link to test what you learned in this article: Soap box racing quiz

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