FirstEnergyAll-American Soap Box Derby Countdown

Building with Soap Box Derby Car Kits

It’s amazing what a child can do with basic tools, a Soap Box Derby Race Car Kit, and some guidance from a friendly adult. Start with a kit with Soap Box Derby Car instructions – and end with a huge accomplishment.

Building a Soap Box Derby Car

Young people have been building gravity racing cars since even before the Soap Box Derby began in 1934. The principles have remained the same, but there are plenty of helpful tools and kits that help every participant experience that great accomplishment of building a racer with simple tools, part and a long of determination.

Building a Soap Box Derby car is just the beginning of the excitement that peaks in the heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled thrill of zooming down the steep track...racing in the derby car you make yourself!

It takes a lot of heart and determination to be a Soap Box Derby racer – and it always helps to have some instructions on how to build a Soap Box Derby car from scratch.

Building Instructions

Below please find the plans to help get you started on your first car as part of the Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition presented by The University of Akron College of Engineering.

How to build a gravity racer

Since 1934, the All-American Soap Box Derby has given youth the start-to-finish experience of building a gravity racer that’s a great accomplishment by itself.

Even before the race begins, children will benefit from the challenges and accomplishment of following instructions for building a Soap Box Derby car.

These instructions for building a Soap Box Derby car will help provide the framework for a great experience. Overall, the Soap Box Derby program is designed to be an enjoyable learning experience for both the adult guiding the way and the child participating.

Find Out More About Engaging Your Children or Students in STEM with the Soap Box Derby

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