How do I Start? - A Beginner's Guide to Soap Box Derby

Here is where you can find all the information you need to get started racing or simply try out a Soap Box Derby car for free with the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association.

You can download this information brochure for additional info. 

Who Can Race?

Anyone between the ages of 7 and 20 can compete in the sport of Soap Box Derby racing. The height, weight, and age of the driver will determine the type of Soap Box Derby car they will race.

What are the classes of Soap Box Derby Cars?

Soap Box Derby cars come in 3 divisions. These divisions are called Stock, Super Stock, and Masters.

Stock

The Stock division is for racers 7-13 years old. Stock cars can accommodate a racer up to 5' 3" tall who weighs up to 125 pounds.

Super Stock

The Super Stock division is designed for racers 9-18 years old. Super Stock cars can accommodate a larger racer up to 6' 0" tall who weighs up to 150 pounds.

Masters

The Masters division is for racers 10-20 years old and is meant for more experienced drivers. Masters cars can accommodate a racer up to 6' 0" tall who weighs up to 160 pounds.

How much does Soap Box Derby Racing cost?

How much does a car cost?

The Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby offers first time racers the opportunity to make trial runs ("fun runs") down the track in a Soap Box Derby car at absolutely no cost. Contact Stan Iglehart by emailing stanleyi@sbcglobal.net or calling him at (630) 841-8832. If a racer decides to start racing, they are welcome to use a Chicago owned club car at no cost. Should a racer wish to own a car, they can buy a used car from the organization (approx. $250) or they can build their own car (approx. $600) using a kit from the All American Soap Box Derby.

How much does it cost to enter a sanctioned race?

Race entry fees for new racers during their first year are just $10 per race. On race weekends, we host two races per day (2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday). You may enter as many or as few races as you want.

Where and When do we Race?

We race outdoors during the spring, summer, and fall (May, June, September, October) in Naperville, Illinois at the corner of Diehl and Frontenac Road. This is an easy location to get to as it is just off of I-88.

During the winter months (January, February, March) we race at various indoor locations in the Chicagoland area.

Is Soap Box Derby Racing safe?

Soap Box Derby racing is a very safe sport, especially when compared to athletic sports. Cars are entirely gravity powered and the drivers have full control with both a steering wheel and brake pedal.

Why should I get my child involved in Soap Box Derby Racing?

• FUN - Kids experience the thrill and excitement of driving their race car down the track while competing for medals and trophies! 
• FAMILY TIME - Soap Box Derby racing involves the entire family and requires teamwork and collaboration which builds strong family bonds between parents and their children.
• NEW FRIENDS - Although Soap Box Derby is a competitive sport, you'll find that racing families are friendly. Many kids and parents build lasting friendships through Soap Box Derby.
• STEM - Racers learn many STEM principles through building, driving, and tuning Soap Box Derby cars. Unlike school, this is a great hands-on learning experience which brings better understanding to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES - Soap Box Derby is REAL. It is not a video game, television screen, or anything virtual. This is a great way to get kids outdoors, active, and engaged in the exciting sport of Soap Box Derby Racing.