If you are new to Soap Box Derby racing, you are invited to stop out at one of our rally events and see what it’s all about. We may even have an extra car available to rent and try out.

The first step in getting started is determining what racing division to be in. There are three divisions based on age, physical size and degree of technical expertise. These are outlined in our ‘About Divisions’ section.

Soap Box cars are no longer built from scratch as they were in the 1970s and prior years. All cars come as part of a kit, which include the parts needed to assemble a racer. Car kits are purchased from the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Kit prices range from ~$600 to ~$750 including wheels, tax and shipping.

A Local race is the traditional Soap Box Derby event and is held only once per year in each Derby city. Unlike rallies, a Local race is only one race, taking place on one day. Entrants are limited by geographical area. A driver must only compete in the Local that is closest to his home residence. The winner of the Local race moves on to Akron to represent their city in the All-American Soap box Derby, which takes place, typically, on the third Saturday in July. Cost to enter the Cincinnati Local is $50 per driver.

Racing takes place throughout the year in many cities across the country. Dedicated tracks, street courses and even indoor events are held. Click here for the Cincinnati schedule of events or click here for the schedule of all cities.

Rally racing consists of one or two races per day and up to three or four over a weekend. A race is a series of heats between two cars in a double- or single-elimination bracket. Drivers earn championship points based on the number of races they run and how well they finish in each. A Rally race costs a maximum of $35* per race to enter. Teams are able to enter one or up to four races in a given weekend. Typically there is a discount for entering multiple races. *Siblings of entrants can enter the race for a maximum of $30 per race.

Take the lead.

Across the United States and right here in Greater Cincinnati, family time is spent together building Soap box Derby cars. Lifelong bonds are developed as the "derby experience" is shared.

As a Derby sponsor, your leadership insures area boys and girls a program that will provide cherished memories for a lifetime. Your financial backing of this sport is a key element in starting these kids' engines and accelerating their potential. Take the lead.

Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities