Local History

Bowling Green has a long history of Soap Box Derby Racing beginning in 1938.  In the past, the Soap Box Derby Race was a hair-raising event held on treacherously steep College Street.  The race continued for many years and then took a break.  After a long dormancy, the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green resurrected our local race in 1998.  Bowling Green welcomed the race with enthusiasm:

• 1998 – Largest new race city in the history of the national organization – 77 registered drivers
• 1999 – Largest increase in participation – 108 registered drivers
• 2000 – 5th largest local race in the world – 115 registered drivers
• 2001 – Tied for 4th largest local race in the world – 121 registered drivers
• 2002 – 3rd largest local race in the world – 138 registered drivers
• 2003 to 2013 - Still the 3rd largest local race in the world
• 2002 to current - World's Largest Double Elimination Race and still the 3rd largest local race. 
• 2015 - Super Kids Classic for special needs children introduced - 8 racers