Soap Box Derby Booster

Illustration of soap box racer, globe and text in orange on a white background.

The soapbox derby has a long history, dating back to the 1930's. Children of all ages can compete and usually enter the races with their own homemade soapbox car. There are several qualifying events that are held throughout the country. Winners of these events compete for the national title in Akron, Ohio.

One of these qualifying events took place in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1969. Bob Javens won this race and went on to race in Akron in the same year. The box cart that he won with is fondly remembered by the town. So much so, that the cart was placed in the Beaver Falls Museum where it is still on display, fully intact.