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List of museums with Soap Box Derby racers

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Vintage Soap Box Derby racers on exhibit at Memory Lane Museum, a private automotive and transportation museum located in Mooresville, North Carolina

The Soap Box Derby is a youth-oriented soap box car racing program which has been running in the United States since 1934. Proclaimed "the greatest amateur racing event in the world", the program culminates each July at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio, with winners from their local communities from across the US and abroad travelling to compete.

Since the Soap Box Derby's creation, numerous kid-built racers have since been retired, most of them probably meeting their demise, but many ending up in the attics, basements and garages of countless American households. Today some of these survivors have been finding their way into public venues like bars and restaurants as decorative examples of Americana, with many more being exhibited in museums honoring Soap Box Derby's heritage as a cherished American institution.

Museums with Soap Box Derby racers

[edit]

Below is a list of various museums and historical institutions as well as venues open to the public that have in the past or are currently exhibiting Soap Box Derby racers or adding them to their permanent collections, usually acquired via donation by the cars' original owners.

Name City State Year Notes Status Image
Aberdeen Museum of History Aberdeen Washington 2018[a] Has two 1960s cars on exhibit, both piloted by Ed Gegen, located in its hot rod garage diorama.[1] On exhibit
Albany Regional Museum Albany New York 2023 Hosted an exhibit titled Hub City, which featured in the children's area a transportation-themed display comprising two Derby cars that visiting kids could climb into.[2] Among them was a racer piloted by 2010 Super Stock World Champion Tucker McClaran.[3][b] Was on exhibit
All-American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame Museum Akron Ohio Current Home of the Soap Box Derby, dedicated to showcasing Championship racers that won in Akron since the program began. It houses about half of the 140+ vehicles that have crossed the All-American finishing line as winners over the years. They include a replica of Robert Gravett's Old #7 racer from 1933 used in the official logo, and 1947 World Champion Kenneth Holmboe (pictured). On exhibit
1952 World Champion Joe Lunn's racer, dubbed "The Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia"
1961 Colorado Springs, Colorado racer Bob Carter's racer, a unique example of a car that did not win in Akron
1963 World Champion Harold Conrad's racer
Ken Cline's 1967 World Championship racer, dubbed "the Grasshopper"
Karren Stead's 1975 World Championship lay-down racer
1983 Senior World Champion Mike Burdgick's lay-down racer
Allen County Museum and Historical Society Lima Ohio Current Has a racer from 1971 Lima, Ohio Champion James Ethan Jackson.[5][6] The car is not on public display. Collection only
All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey Bridgeton New Jersey Current Has a 1941 racer piloted by Irving Halter.[7][8] On exhibit
America on Wheels Auto Museum Allentown Pennsylvania 2010 Hosted an exhibit of numerous Derby cars.[9] Was on exhibit
American Treasure Tour Museum Oaks Pennsylvania Current Has on exhibit a few Derby cars, including a blue class A entry from New Castle, Pennsylvania piloted by Ronnie Boy,[10][11] who won the Best Constructed Award in 1970.[12] On exhibit
Anderson County Museum Anderson South Carolina 2022[a] Hosts an exhibit with a 1940 Derby car[13] said to be from the community, along with a helmet and race jersey from 1941 Anderson Champ Joseph E. Harbin displayed above. On exhibit
Antique Automobile Club of America, or AACA Hershey Pennsylvania 2012 Exhibited two cars piloted by 1971 York, Pennsylvania Champion Glenn Dale Laughman and 1972 York, Pennsylvania Champion Debbie Laughman.[14] Was on exhibit
The Bag Factory Goshen Indiana 2022[a] A retail facility in an historic property has a Derby car piloted by 1994 Goshen Masters Rally Champion Greg Koop[15] suspended above the retail floor.[16][17] On exhibit
Beaver Falls Historical Society Museum Beaver Falls Pennsylvania 2017 Exhibited a racer piloted by 1969 Beaver Falls Champion Robert Javens.[18] Was on exhibit
Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Heritage Museum Orviston Pennsylvania Current Has a 1963 class A racer donated in 2019 by builder/owner Steve Rhoads.[19] On exhibit
Belfast Historical Society and Museum Belfast Maine Current Has a car piloted by 1966 Belfast, Maine class B racer Butch Richards, with an announcement in 2022 of it being put on display.[20] Collection
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science Wilmington North Carolina 2011[a] Had as recent as 2011 a class A racer in their collection not on display.[21] Collection only
Carillon Historical Park Dayton Ohio 2020[a] Has as a Derby car[22] piloted by Donald Doerfert, who placed third in Dayton in 1934 and won the Best Constructed trophy.[23] On exhibit
Catawba County Museum of History Newton North Carolina Current The museum is currently hosting an exhibit titled A Race To Remember: Catawba County's Soap Box Derby (1967–1972), which opened on March 9, 2024.[24] It features six Derby cars of local champions from those dates.[25] A film by Richard Eller, which features interviews of Hickory Derby director John Vaughn, as well as past racers,[26] was shown on the opening day, along with sales of a book titled Down the Hill – A Race to Remember that Eller compiled directly from transcripts of those interviews.[27][28][29] On exhibit
The exhibit includes cars piloted by the following Champs: Mark Steven Cockerham winning in 1968, Mike Bolch in 1969, Keith Whitener in 1970, Keith Throneburg (pictured) in 1971, and Buster Carpenter in 1972. Rounding out the six is Andy Killian, who took 2nd in 1972. The exhibit is expected to run through the summer.[30]
Mike Bolch's 1969 car (pictured) has already been on display at the museum as early as 2018.[31] Collection
Clinton County Historical Museum at Paine-Gillam-Scott House St. Johns Michigan Current Received a Derby car donated by Kris Patterson,[32] winner of the St. Johns Championship in 1968. Collection
Codington County Heritage Museum Watertown South Dakota Current Has at least two cars, including one piloted by 1968 Watertown Champion Randall Kent Brandriet.[33] Collection
Cole Land Transportation Museum Bangor Maine Current Has three Derby cars suspended high above the exhibit floor,[34][35] including those piloted by 1950 local champion James Roy (pictured), and 1957 champ Robert S. Briggs.[36] On exhibit
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Colorado Springs Colorado Current Has an interactive exhibit titled Story of Us: Explore the History and Geography of the Pikes Peak Region,[37] which features, under the letter "D" on the website,[38] a Derby car piloted by 1947 local entry Al Bates.[39] On exhibit
Connecticut Science Center Hartford Connecticut 2009[a] Has a racer piloted by 1999 World Rally Super Stock Champion Carleigh LeBlanc as part of the center's Sights & Sounds exhibit.[40] Was on exhibit
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum Cleveland Ohio 2018[a] Had a racer[41] piloted by Margaret "Peggy" Zoller, who won the Cleveland Championship in 1973 and placed 5th at the All-American.[42] Was on exhibit
Darlington County Historical Commission Darlington South Carolina Current Received a car donated by 1951 Hartsville, South Carolina Champion Tommy Jordan.[43] Collection
Detroit News Building Detroit Michigan 1964–2014 Home of the Detroit News newspaper from 1917 to 2014, housed in its reference center a Derby car piloted by 1964 Suburban Detroit Champion Patrick Shorkey. By October 2014 it was one of the last remnants remaining[44] at the property while the newspaper was relocating to a new facility.[45] Unknown
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum Laughlin Nevada Current Has in its collection of vintage automobiles[46] a Derby car piloted by 1971 Las Vegas, NV Champion Terry Steve Leisek.[47] On exhibit
DuBois Area Historical Society DuBois Pennsylvania 2024 Hosted in concert with The Courier Express is a series of exhibits titled Turn Back the Clock, which in April 2024 features a Derby car piloted by 1950 DuBois Champion James M. Shaffer. The exhibits can be viewed at the E. D. Reitz Museum in DuBois.[48] On exhibit
Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR) York Springs Pennsylvania 2015[a] Has multiple Derby cars, including racers piloted by 1940 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Champion Jack Finney[49][50] and 1970 York County, Pennsylvania Champion Mark E. Ilgenfritz, both exhibited above the Soap Box Derby display case. On exhibit
Edge Motor Museum Memphis Tennessee Current Has a Derby exhibit that features a car built and donated by Leslie Dale,[51][52] who was the class B champ in Nashville, Tennessee in 1940.[53] On exhibit
Eisenhower Conference Center Gettysburg Pennsylvania 2017 Hosted an auction of historic wax figures on May 13, 2017, which included a Derby car[54] piloted by 1980 Montgomery, Alabama Senior Champion Allen Young.[55] Was on exhibit
Elkhorn Valley Museum Norfolk[c] Nebraska 2022[a] Has a red Derby car from the mid- to late-seventies.[57] On exhibit
Ellwood City Area Historical Society Ellwood City Pennsylvania Current Has on permanent display a Derby car piloted by 1959 Ellwood Champion Eddie Berendt. Exhibited in 2019 is the Bernard "Bucky" Kline miniature collection of Ellwood Champions from 1936 to 1962, of which Berendt's car is replicated.[58] On exhibit
End of the Commons General Store Mesopotamia Ohio Current Has on permanent display two Derby cars, including one piloted by 1960 Warren, OH Champion Allen Frantz, who donated it in 2015.[59][60] On exhibit
1961 Warren, OH entry James Chadwick, located above the retail floor alongside other memorabilia.
Florence County Museum Florence South Carolina 2016 Hosted an exhibit highlighting the history of the annual Soap Box Derby race that took place in Florence during the 1960s and 1970s.[61] Was on exhibit
Floyd County Historical Museum Charles City Iowa 2019[a] Has a local entry piloted in 1960 by Rick Justus on display.[62] On exhibit
Frankenmuth Historical Association Frankenmuth Michigan Current Has a racer from 1968 Saginaw, Michigan Champ Marcus Haubenstricker.[63] The car is not on public display. Collection only
Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center Fredericksburg Virginia 2012 Hosted an exhibit from June 16 to August 31, 2012, titled Thrill on the Hill, featuring a car piloted by 1959 Fredericksburg Champion Boyd E. Blevins. Was on exhibit
Gardner Museum Gardner Massachusetts Current Has a single racer piloted in 1938 by All-American third-placer Stanford Hartshorn.[64][65] On exhibit
Governor Motor Company Jefferson City Missouri 2019[a] Has a single racer piloted by 1970 Southwest Suburban, Illinois Champion Mark T. Ahlgrim.[66] On exhibit
Greater Southwest Historical Museum Ardmore Oklahoma Current Has two examples on display, including a 1970/71 racer piloted by Alan Sharp.[67]} On exhibit
Greensboro History Museum Greensboro North Carolina 2019[a] Has a car piloted by 1959 Greensboro Champion Joe Harmon,[68] and is currently not on display.[69] Was on exhibit
Greenwood Antiques Greenwood Virginia Current Has an unrestored car piloted by 1965 Charlottesville, Virginia Champion Donald Reid Jr. on the front veranda of the store.[70] On exhibit
Hartley Nature Center Duluth Minnesota Current Once the site of Duluth's Soap Box Derby track, the center has a car piloted by 1964 Duluth Champion Dale Mell[71][72] to honor that legacy. On exhibit
Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Hattiesburg Mississippi Current Has a racer[73] piloted in 1971 by Hattiesburg, Mississippi entrant Steve Mozingo.[74] On exhibit
Heinz History Center Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Current Is hosting an exhibit from March 22 to Oct. 6, 2024 titled A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh, which includes a Soap Box Derby display that features a car piloted by 1982 Western Pennsylvania Senior Champion Jessica Clark.[75] On exhibit
Hennepin History Museum Minneapolis Minnesota Current Has a racer piloted by 1959 Minneapolis Champion Jerald Edward Houk.[76] Collection
The Henry Ford Museum Dearborn Michigan Current Showcases 1939 North Platte, NE Champion Mason Colbert's racer.[77][6] On exhibit
High Point Museum High Point North Carolina 2023 Hosted from February to March 2023 a Derby-themed exhibit featuring photographs of past participants, memorabilia and a single racer (pictured) driven by 1953 High Point, North Carolina racer Henry Clyde Williams Jr. (1937–2022).[78] A panel discussion and question period was also held on the last Saturday of the exhibit. Invited to speak were Harrison "Bud" Lyon of Durham, the first African-American youth to win High Point's Derby in 1954; Bill Blair Jr., who participated in High Point's first Soap Box Derby in 1951;[d] and Gail Simpson, one of the first girls to race and the first to win High Point's Derby in 1972.[79] Ms. Simpson was unable to speak due to an illness. Was on exhibit
Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley Ephrata Pennsylvania Current Has on exhibit a racer[80] piloted by Mike Ocker, who took the class B runner-up and 4th overall in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1969.[81][82] On exhibit
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Indianapolis Indiana Current Accepted a car piloted by 1954 Hartford, Connecticut Soap Box Derby Champion Denny Zimmerman,[e] who donated it in 2007.[84][85] Collection
International Motorsports Hall of Fame Talladega Alabama 2022[a] Has two Derby cars on exhibit, a 1960s entry from Birmingham, Alabama piloted by Matt Wright,[86][87] and a second by two-time (1997 and 1998) Birmingham, Alabama National Derby Rally (NDR) Masters Champion Will Waldrip.[88][89] On exhibit
James Madison Museum Orange Virginia Current Has a single Derby car piloted by Johnny Altman, who raced in Orange and won the Best Constructed Award in 1960. Mr. Altman donated the car in 2013.[90][91] On exhibit
Kassel Museum Kassel Germany 2020–2021 Hosted an exhibit entitled "Es Lebe der Sport",[92] which featured a racer piloted by 1957 Kassel, Germany Soap Box Derby Champion Ernst Krönert. Was on exhibit
Kosciusko County Historical Society Warsaw Indiana 2014 Exhibited at their 49th annual banquet was a Derby racer piloted in 1955 and 1956 by Larry Shively. Held at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw, speakers also included fellow racer Tom Plew, who came second at the local championship in 1957.[93] Was on exhibit
Lancaster Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame Museum Lancaster Ohio Current Has a large collection of their local champ cars on display at their topside building.[94] Some of their earliest entries, all sit-ups, include those piloted by Scott Straley in 1956—their oldest car, Jerry Campbell in 1957, Don McCellan in 1958, Dick Kraner in 1959, Larry Wilkins in 1960, Larry McCoy in 1961, Ben McCoy in 1963, Jeff Engel in 1964, David Beach in 1966, Rick Wilkins in 1967, Jim Hunt in 1969 and David Brenstuhl in 1970. Early lay-down models include Ray Blair in 1971, Pike Hull in 1972, Bill Hunt in 1973, Brian Hunt in 1974,[f] Mike Roth in 1975, Ken Hoffman in 1976, Lisa Spires in 1977 and Lori Roth in 1978. On exhibit
Larz Anderson Auto Museum Brookline, Massachusetts Massachusetts 2019[a] Has suspended from the wall a black Derby car from the 1940s with a 1953 helmet hung alongside.[95] The identity of the car's driver is unknown. On exhibit
The Lemay–America's Car Museum Tacoma Washington 2017[a] Has a Championship car from 1967 All-American entry Richard R. Peterson, who represented Tacoma in Akron.[96][97] On exhibit
Lynchburg Museum Lynchburg Virginia Current Has a 1949 racer piloted by Terrell Griffin[98] on display in the Main Court Room Gallery.[99] On exhibit
Mattatuck Museum Waterbury Connecticut 2023–2024 Hosted from January 2023 to January 2024 a Derby-themed installation featuring pamphlets, photographs[100] and a 1971 racer loaned by its owner, driver Stephen Longo.[101] Was on exhibit
McHenry County Historical Society & Museum Union Illinois 2007[a] Has a car piloted by 1952 Woodstock, Illinois Champion Peter Perkins,[102] who is a life member of the museum.[103] On exhibit
Memory Lane Museum Mooresville North Carolina Current Has twenty-one vintage Derby cars in their collection.[104] They include examples from Dan Parks of Charlotte, North Carolina, who finished his long career in 1965 as a class A;[105] Neil Castles Jr., also of Charlotte, who took 6th place in the Senior Division of that local in 1985;[106] and Mark Whitley of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who competed at the All-American in 1990 in the Kit Division, winning his first heat.[107] The following year he raced as a Senior at the All-American, taking 8th.[108] On exhibit
Steve Matlock of Knoxville, TN, who competed from 1955 to 1958, taking 2nd in 1956.[109]
Minnesota History Center Saint Paul Minnesota Current Has a Derby car piloted in 1938[110] by St. Paul, Minnesota Champion Herbert Garelic[g][111] On exhibit
Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum Greensboro North Carolina 2022[a] Has three Derby cars from the 1970s suspended above the Volvo truck and Petty Enterprises Hot Wheels exhibits.[112][113] They were all constructed by the same builder, who is unidentified. On exhibit
Mission Museum Mission British Columbia 2020 Exhibited a racer piloted by 1961 Mission City, British Columbia Champion Raymond Mack. Was on exhibit
Morrison Motor Car Museum Concord North Carolina Current Has two cars piloted by 1965 Charlotte, North Carolina Champion David Alexander, and 1966 Charlotte, North Carolina racer Mark Alexander on the showroom floor.[114] On exhibit
Museu da Casa Brasileira São Paulo Brazil 2018 Held an exhibit titled Design Aerodinâmico – Metáfora do Futuro[115] (en. Aerodynamic Design – Metaphor for the Future), featuring a 1940s Derby car from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.[116] Was on exhibit
Museum of American Speed Lincoln Nebraska Current Has numerous Derby cars on exhibit,[117] including examples piloted by 1934 Indianapolis, Indiana Champion Raymond A. Kern, 1949–51 Muncie, Indiana class B racer Garland Ross Jr.(pictured), 1962 Detroit, MI Champion Robert Joseph Hanlon, as well as 1969 entries from Mark Larivee of Detroit and local Steve Fralin of Lincoln. On exhibit
National Automotive and Truck Museum Auburn Indiana Current Home of GM Futurliner#10,[118] has on display two Derby cars,[119] one a blue class B entry from the 1960s,[120] and the second an orange lay-down design from the 1970s.[121] On exhibit
National Museum of American History Washington D.C. Current Has several Derby items, including two cars. One (pictured) was piloted by 1961 Hartford, Connecticut Champion Robert J. Pusateri,[122] and the second by 1994 National Derby Rally Stock Division Champion Laura Shepherd[123][h] from Kent, Ohio. The cars are not on public display. Collection only
New England Racing Museum Loudon New Hampshire 2021[a] Has three Derby cars hung on a wall display,[127][128][129] including one piloted by 1982 Junior World Champion Carol Ann Sullivan. 1954 Hartford, Connecticut Champion Denny Zimmermans's car (pictured) was on exhibit there in 2021,[130] on loan from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. On exhibit
North Carolina Museum of History Raleigh North Carolina Current Has a single racer (pictured) in their collection, piloted by 1972 Chapel Hill, North Carolina Champion Priscilla Freeman, who took fifth place at the 35th All-American.[131] The car is currently not on public display. Collection only
Northwest Connecticut Fire Fighting Museum Torrington Connecticut 2022[a] Situated at the Bad Dog Brewing Company in Torrington, has two Derby car as floor exhibits, both sponsored by the Torrington Fire Department,[132][133] including an example piloted by Tommy Petrovits.[134] On exhibit
Oakland Museum of California Oakland California 2010–11 Hosted an exhibit curated by Mark Dion titled The Marvelous Museum, that featured orphaned items in the collection seldom displayed nor borrowed by other museums. In it a Derby car from the 1940s was shown to the public, like many items, in its storage crate. Was on exhibit
Ohio History Center Columbus Ohio 2022[a] Has a Derby car on display piloted by 1949 Akron, Ohio 3rd-placer Carl William "Bill" Ford.[135][136] On exhibit
Okoboji Classic Cars Milford Iowa 2020[a] Has three Derby cars on display, including one (pictured) from 1966 Sioux City, Iowa Champion Roger Lee Van Waart.[137][138] On exhibit
Old School Museum Winchester Illinois 2022[a] Has a Champion car from Clint Buckley who won the Jacksonville, Illinois, local race in 1972.[139] On exhibit
Old State House Museum Little Rock Arkansas Current Has a racer piloted by 1960 Magnolia, Arkansas Champion Wallace F. Waits (1945–2023).[140][6] The car is currently not on public display. Collection only
Owls Head Transportation Museum Owls Head Maine Current The museum has a wealth of Derby-related ephemera in its archives and several cars tucked away in storage, including 1938 Portland, Maine Champion Perley Bartlett.[141] As recent as 2017, it along with two others were exhibited in the museum.[142] Collection
Peekskill Museum Peekskill New York Current Has a single example upstairs in the Marion Boyle Children's Room, piloted by 1936 Peekskill, New York Champion William Barthelmes.[143] On exhibit
Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport Pennsylvania 2012 Pennsylvania College of Technology, which opens its masonry laboratory annually for construction of cars used in the Williamsport Soap Box Derby, exhibited in 2012 a Derby car piloted by 1951 World Champion Darwin Cooper, who hails from there. The car was put on display at the entrance of the college's Madigan Library.[144] Was on exhibit
Region of Waterloo Museums & Archives Kitchener Ontario Current Has in their collection a class B car built in 1955 and raced in the area. The driver's name is withheld pending permission of the donor, who was original owner and builder of the car.[145] It is currently not on public display. Collection only
Rock County Historical Society Janesville Wisconsin 2021[a] Housed at Lincoln-Tallman House in Janesville, and in the basement, are two cars in a Derby-themed exhibit[146] piloted by 1948 Janesville, Wisconsin Champion Carliss H. Shuler and 1949 Janesville, Wisconsin Champion Gerald S. Wells. On exhibit
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill and Museum Springfield Illinois 2019[a] Situated above the restaurant bar is a Derby car[147] piloted by 1972 Springfield, Illinois Champion Robert Wayne Wieks, along with other memorabilia like a flag and trophy connected to the car's history. Mr. Wieks hadn't seen the car since his win in 1972 until much later when it was put on display above the bar. Now back in his possession, the car remains on exhibit.[148] On exhibit
St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre St. Catharines Ontario 2023 Hosted a Derby-themed exhibit on the history of the Soap Box Derby in St. Catharines featuring photographs, trophies and related memorabilia.[149] In it were two cars piloted by 1954 Champ Larry Tracey (pictured), which is in the Museum's permanent collection, and 1972 Champ William Roy "Bill" Hand. Was on exhibit
San Diego Automotive Museum Balboa Park California 2017 Exhibited a Derby racer piloted by 1946 World Champion Gilbert Klecan, who loaned the car.[150] Was on exhibit
Saratoga Automobile Museum Saratoga New York 2017 Has exhibited vintage racers piloted by Peter Voronovsky of Schenectady, New York,[151][152] who was awarded the Best Constructed trophy in 1951, Linda Lee Aidala of Albany, New York,[153] who competed as a Senior Division entry in 1981, and Jordan Milner of Windsor, Connecticut, who competed as a Stock Division entry in 1995.[154] Was on exhibit
Seiverling Museum Ephrata Pennsylvania 2023 Seiverling Museum, a car and pedal car museum, entered a float at the 88th Ephrata Fair Parade,[155] which featured a Derby car piloted by 1973 local Champion Brad Kreider, whose family were volunteers. The parade took place on Main Street, the same thoroughfare that Brad had won on 50 years earlier.[156] Was on exhibit
Silver Creek Museum Freeport Illinois Current Has a single example piloted by 1950–1951 Freeport, Illinois racer Dean G. Speilman.[157] On exhibit
Sioux City Public Museum Sioux City Iowa Current, 2023 Has at least four cars, including a replica of 1937 Sioux City, Iowa Champion Wayne Johnson's "mushroom car", which he constructed in 2008 and donated to the museum,[158] and 1967 Sioux City, Iowa Champion Mark Lehmann (pictured),[159] both suspended high above the museum floor. In 2023 a show entitled New to You: Recent Artifact Donations exhibited recent acquisitions, including two Derby cars driven by 1970 Sioux City, Iowa Champion Stephen T. Lalley[160] and 1990 Sioux City, Iowa Masters Champion Wendy Van Waart.[161][162] On exhibit, collection
Smoky Hill Museum Salina Kansas 2021[a] Has exhibited[163] a Derby car piloted by 1967 Salina, Kansas Champion Jack Klein[164] (1955–2004). On exhibit
South Dakota State Historical Society Pierre South Dakota Current Has a donated Derby car that was piloted by 1941 Rapid City, South Dakota Champion Jack Enterman.[165] Collection
Stables Cafe Guthrie Oklahoma 2022[a] Has as part its extensive antiques collection an unidentified lay-down racer from the 1970s suspended above the dining area.[166][167] On exhibit
Stratford-Perth Archives Straford Ontario 2019 Displayed a derby car in 2019 dubbed "Miss Canada," which was raced in Stratford from 1951 to 1954 by brothers Gary and Marvin Thomas. The car is in the collection of the Stratford Perth Museum, who loaned the car.[168] Was on exhibit
Strong National Museum of Play Rochester New York Current Has multiple examples in their collection, including cars piloted by 1951 class A racer Richard E. "Dick" Zicari[169] (1936–2011),[170] donated by Mr. Zicari, 1964 Rochester Champion William Lentzer, which has been on display as recent as 2018,[171] and 1975 Rochester Champion Dave Marra, donated by Mr. Marra.[172][173] On exhibit
Swift Current Museum Swift Current Saskatchewan 2018 Hosted a Derby exhibit in October 2018 that was pitched to the museum by the Swift Current Soapbox Racing Association, which at the time was celebrating 35 years of continuous racing. It featured several racers, including a senior lay-down car piloted by Aiden Jahnke.[174] Was on exhibit
Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Syracuse New York Current Has a single Derby car piloted by 1970 Syracuse Champion Walter G. Hadyk.[175][176] On exhibit
Tallahassee Automobile Museum Tallahassee Florida Current Has three cars on exhibit, including examples from Roy Garren, who raced in the Senior Division in the DeKalb County, Georgia, race in 1984, and David Garren, who won the Junior Division Championship in Atlanta in 1985.[177] On exhibit
Toronto Motorama Toronto Ontario 2020, 2022 A single example, an all metal-clad racer from the 1960s, was exhibited in the Bodymotive Services kiosk at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo in 2020.[178] In 2022 the car competed at the Elora, Ontario soapbox derby.[179] Was on exhibit and raced
Tyler History Center Youngstown Ohio Current Has two cars on display, piloted by 1967 class A entry James Strock[180] and 1968 racer Donald Del Cessna,[181] both who competed in Youngstown. On exhibit
Unser Racing Museum Los Ranchos de Albuquerque New Mexico 2023 Featured two Derby cars[182] piloted by 1960 Albuquerque, New Mexico Champion Lawrence Martin[183] and 1966 Albuquerque, New Mexico Champion Richard E. Martin.[184] The museum closed in 2023, with its collection being relocated to the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska.[185] Was on exhibit
Vance-Tousey House Lawrenceburg Indiana 2019 Hosted an exhibit titled The Great Race,[186] featuring a Derby racer piloted by 1969 Lawrenceburg, Indiana Champion Alfred Dewayne Uhlman. Was on exhibit
Vintage Derby Car Show Akron Ohio 3rd Friday in July Annual exhibit taking place during Race Week that culminates in the All-American World Championship in Akron, Ohio. The exhibit showcases extant vintage Derby racers and memorabilia that invites any and all Derby alumni to attend and participate, and is open to the general public. At its inaugural exhibit in 2022 an array of classic Derby car designs (pictured) was put on display. Was on exhibit
Oldest car at the 3rd Vintage Show in 2024 piloted by 1952 Soap Box Derby World Champion Joe Lunn, showing collision damage
Oldest car at the 2nd Vintage Show in 2023 piloted by Indianapolis, Indiana Champion David M. Knight in 1953
1956 Valparaiso, Indiana racer Doug Hoback's car at the 3rd Vintage Show in 2024
An original and unrestored racer piloted by 1961 Ashland, Ohio Champion James Stine
1961 Mansfield, Ohio Champion Timothy Boyer exhibited at the 3rd Vintage Show in 2024
1969 New Philadelphia, Ohio Champion Jeff Bitticker's car at the 3rd Vintage Show in 2024
1974 Conshohocken, Pennsylvania Champion Edward L. Myers, who took 3rd at the 37th All-American, in 2024
Virginia Museum of Transportation Roanoke Virginia Current Has Tim Royer's orange Super Stock car from 2001 to 2003,[187] Roanoke, Virginia Champion Michael Jay Dobie's blue car from 1966 and Roanoke, Virginia Champion Charles Lineberry III's yellow car from 1969. On exhibit
Vortaunus Museum Oberursel Germany Current Has numerous cars on exhibit, including those piloted by 1950 German Champion Alfred Hänle, 1955 German Champion Heinz Soethof, 1967 German Champion Klaus Rohde, 1968 German Champion Bernd Schacherl, 1971 German Champion Karl-Heinz Peter[188] and 1983 German Sr. Champion Rieke Monschauer.[189] On exhibit
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum Waukesha Wisconsin 2019 Exhibited a car piloted by 1947 Waukesha, Wisconsin Champion Jack Chapman (1932–2019).[190] On exhibit
Wayne County Historical Museum Richmond Indiana 2022 Has several cars suspended above the museum floor,[191] including one piloted by 1968 Richmond, Indiana Champion James B. Wells II. On exhibit
Wisconsin Historical Museum Madison Wisconsin 2010 Hosted an exhibit titled Zoom! Whiz! Wow! A High-Speed History of Madison's Soap Box Derby, which ran July 26 through September 11, 2010. Included were memorabilia, trophies, photos of boys that participated, and some cars, including one by 1957 Madison Champion Van Steiner.[192][193] Was on exhibit
Yale Museum Yale British Columbia 2020[a] Has at least two Derby cars on exhibit,[194] including one piloted by 1969 Western Canada Champion Dennis Lissimore on display.[195] On exhibit
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum Ypsilanti Michigan 2015[a] Has a car (pictured) piloted by 1950 Ypsilanti, Michigan entry Bill Nickels. On exhibit

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab most recent confirmed date
  2. ^ Tucker McClaran, who hails from Salem, Oregon, competed in the Ultimate Speed Challenge Division in 2015, placing 2nd.[4]
  3. ^ Johnny Carson, who hails from Norfolk, entered the Derby[56] and built a racer at age-13.
  4. ^ Blair's family has a long history of racing in High Point and beyond. His father, Bill Blair Sr., was one of the pioneers of NASCAR
  5. ^ Racing as an adult, Zimmerman was awarded Indy Rookie of the Year in 1971 and, as of 2011, is the only All-American Soap Box Derby participant to compete at the Indianapolis 500.[83]
  6. ^ Image of 1974 Lancaster, Ohio Champion Brian Hunt's car at the 2nd Annual Vintage Derby Car Show in Akron, Ohio in 2023
  7. ^ 1938 St. Paul, Minnesota Champion Herbert Garelic founded Garelick Manufacturing Company, a marine accessories supplier.
  8. ^ Laura Shepherd won Rookie of the Year in 1994.[124] In 1995 she placed 4th at the All-American, then clinched her second National Derby Rally Championship, this time in the Kit-Car Division a week later.[125] Called "Lightening Laura," the Stock Division car was inducted in 1997.[126]

Citations

[edit]
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  4. ^ "78th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Champions". Akron Beacon Journal. Jul 26, 2015.
  5. ^ "Featured Artifact". "Web Archive - Allen County Museum".
  6. ^ a b c "Classic Soap Box Derby Racers (1933–1999)". "Sketchup 3D Warehouse".
  7. ^ "All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame of Southern New Jersey". "NJ Southern Shore".
  8. ^ "All Sports Museum Collections Gallery". "All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey".
  9. ^ "Your View: America on Wheels optimistic about driving into future". "Allentown Morning Call". 27 May 2008.
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  21. ^ "Cape Fear Museum". "StarNews Online".
  22. ^ "Dayton History". "Instagram".
  23. ^ "Dayton Sales Co. at Carillon Historical Park". Dayton Daily News. January 24, 2009.
  24. ^ "Coming to race with us on March 9th?". "Facebook".
  25. ^ "Soap box derby racers from 1968–71 collaborate with Newton museum on exhibit". "Hickory Record".
  26. ^ "Down the Hill: Catawba County's Soap Box Derby, 1967–1972". "YouTube".
  27. ^ Eller 2024.
  28. ^ "Richard Eller Debuts New Book Down The Hill: Catawba County’s Soap Box Derby". "Focus Newspaper".
  29. ^ "Down the Hill: Catawba County's Soap Box Derby 1967–1972". "Redhawk Publications".
  30. ^ "A Race to Remember". "Catawba Valley British Motor Club".
  31. ^ "A Visit to the History Museum of Catawba County". "Macaroni Kid".
  32. ^ "Michigan racing legend donates car to Clinton County Historical Museum". "Paine Gillam Scott Museum".
  33. ^ "15 Best Things to Do in Bangor, ME". "Adoring New England".
  34. ^ "Motorcycles, Bicycles and Children's Toys". "Cole Land Transportation Museum".
  35. ^ "Cole Land Transportation Museum". "Facebook".
  36. ^ "The Story Of Us Learning Tool". "Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum".
  37. ^ "Story of Us". "Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum".
  38. ^ "Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum". "Google".
  39. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car Winner". "Flickr".
  40. ^ "Crawford Museum". "Instagram".
  41. ^ "How They Finished, Heat By Heat". Akron Beacon Journal. August 19, 1973.
  42. ^ "Soapbox Derby winner donates car to Historical Commission". "Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum".
  43. ^ "What We Leave Behind". "Tumbler".
  44. ^ "Detroit News Building". "Historic Detroit".
  45. ^ "Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum". "Travel Nevada".
  46. ^ "Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino". "Google".
  47. ^ "Turn Back The Clock: Soap Box Derby car". "Courier Express".
  48. ^ "Auto racing’s history on display at Pennsylvania’s EMMR". "Old Cars Weekly".
  49. ^ "EMMR – Soap Box Derby Car". "Flickr".
  50. ^ "Edge Motor Museum". "Google".
  51. ^ "All-American Soap Box Derby". "Edge Motor Museum".
  52. ^ "Travis Boys Take Soap Box Derby Honors". Nashville Banner. Jul 20, 1940.
  53. ^ "Second wax museum auction held in Gettysburg". "The Evening Sun".
  54. ^ "Derby entrants". The Montgomery Advertiser. August 16, 1980.
  55. ^ "When Johnny Carson was 13". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. March 22, 1968.
  56. ^ "Elkhorn Valley Museum". "Google".
  57. ^ "Miniature racers". "Ellwood City Ledger".
  58. ^ "Soap Box Derby Memorabilia at Landmark General Store". "Business Journal Daily".
  59. ^ "1960 racer goes on display". "Tribune Chronicle".
  60. ^ "Pee Dee Soap Box Derby". "Florence County Museum".
  61. ^ "7 photos for Floyd County Historical Museum". "Yelp – Floyd County Historical Museum".
  62. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car Hidden History". "YouTube".
  63. ^ "Hartshorn races in national soapbox derby". "The Gardner News".
  64. ^ "Gardner Museum Hartshorn". "Google".
  65. ^ "Governor Motor Company". "Flickr".
  66. ^ "Greater Southwest Historical Museum Tours, image #10 of 15". "Expedia".
  67. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car". "Greensboro History Museum".
  68. ^ "Greensboro History Museum". "Google".
  69. ^ "Greenwood Antiques". "Google".
  70. ^ "Holding On To History: The glory days of Northland Soap Box Derby racing". "Northern News Now".
  71. ^ "The race that meant more near Duluth's Hartley Nature Center". "The Statesman Archives".
  72. ^ "Gallery: Museum Displays". "Hattiesburg Area Historical Society".
  73. ^ "Soap Boxers to roll down Richburg Hill". Hattiesburg American. Jul 2, 1971.
  74. ^ "Pitt to the Point visits A Woman's Place: A New Exhibit at the Heinz History Museum - 1:12". "YouTube".
  75. ^ "From the Collection: Soapbox Derby Car". "Hennepin History".
  76. ^ "1939 Soap Box Derby Car – Artifact number 87.199.1". "The Henry Ford Museum".
  77. ^ "Soap Box Derby Exhibit Opens at the High Point Museum". "Yes! Weekly".
  78. ^ "Museum program to feature early soap box derby drivers". "Yahoo".
  79. ^ "Rolling down Main again". The Ephrata Review. March 03, 2021.
  80. ^ "Ephrata Youth Derby Winner". Sunday News. July 20, 1969.
  81. ^ "Tom Tomasky Wins Reading Derby". The Ephrata Review. July 24, 1969.
  82. ^ Iula & Ignizio 2011, p. 92.
  83. ^ "Derby car sent to Indy 500 museum". "Akron Beacon Journal". 13 Oct 2007.
  84. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car Driven by 1971 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Denny Zimmerman Donated to IMS Museum". "Indianapolis Motor Speedway".
  85. ^ "International Motorsports Hall of Fame - Wright". "Google".
  86. ^ "International Motorsports Hall of Fame - Matt Wright". "Google".
  87. ^ "A few more Talladega pics". "Facebook".
  88. ^ "International Motorsports Hall of Fame - Walldrip". "Google".
  89. ^ "The James Madison Museum, Virginia (Where Gumbo was #325)". "Travel Gumbo".
  90. ^ "James Madison Museum of Orange County". "Google".
  91. ^ "Es Lebe der Sport". "Kassel.de – Stadtmuseum".
  92. ^ "Remembering The Soap Box Derby". "Ink Free News".
  93. ^ "Soap Box Derby Museum and Racetrack". "Visit Fairfield County".
  94. ^ "Larz Anderson Auto Museum". "Google".
  95. ^ "LeMay – America's Car Museum". "Instagram".
  96. ^ "Tacoma Museum District has it all: autos, glass, art, history". "The Oregonian – OregonLive".
  97. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car, 1949". "Flickr".
  98. ^ "Main Court Room Gallery". "Lynchburg Museum".
  99. ^ "Waterbury’s Soapbox Derby". "Mattatuck Museum".
  100. ^ "Mattatuck Museum". "Instagram".
  101. ^ "Life Before Video Games". "Mchenry County History".
  102. ^ "Annual Report". "McHenry County History".
  103. ^ "A memorable museum celebrates motorsports and auto heritage". "Carolina Country".
  104. ^ "1965 Soap Box Derby Starts At 2 Tomorrow". Charlotte News. July 5, 1965.
  105. ^ "Youthful Racers Coast to Victory". Charlotte Observer. July 15, 1985.
  106. ^ "Here's how Derby racers made way to the finals". Akron Beacon Journal. August 12, 1990.
  107. ^ "Saturday's winners by heat". Akron Beacon Journal. August 11, 1991.
  108. ^ "Knox Soap Box Derby Open to Boys 11 to 15". Knoxville Journal. March 14, 1957.
  109. ^ "Museum". "Minnesota History Center".
  110. ^ "When the Soap Box Derby was king". "Minnesota Public Radio".
  111. ^ "Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum 2". "Google".
  112. ^ "Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum". "Google".
  113. ^ "There's a story to tell". "Facebook".
  114. ^ "Design Aerodinâmico – Metáfora do Futuroy". "Museu da Casa Brasileira".
  115. ^ "Museu da Casa Brasileira". "Google Images".
  116. ^ "Soapbox Derby". "Museum of American Speed".
  117. ^ "GM Futurliner #10". "National Automotive and Truck Museum".
  118. ^ "National Auto & Truck Museum". "Flickr".
  119. ^ "National Automotive and Truck Museum 04-28-2019 119 – Early Soap Box Derby Car". "Flickr".
  120. ^ "National Automotive and Truck Museum 04-28-2019 118 – Keefer Printing Soap Box Derby Car". "Flickr".
  121. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car used by Robert J. Pusateri". "National Museum of American History".
  122. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car used by Laura Shepherd". "National Museum of American History".
  123. ^ "Area teens cruise through Derby wins". Akron Beacon Journal. August 16, 1994.
  124. ^ "Engineer Give Soap Box Derby Trophy". Akron Beacon Journal. August 15, 1995.
  125. ^ "Girl's races take her places". Akron Beacon Journal. June 19, 1997.
  126. ^ "New England Racing Museum". "Google".
  127. ^ "Award-Winning Inaugural Year For Museum". "New Hampshire Motor Speedway".
  128. ^ "New England Racing Museum". "Automotive Museum Guide".
  129. ^ "New England Racing Museum 2021". "Google".
  130. ^ "Car, Soap Box Derby: Object #H.2004.124.1". "North Carolina Museum of History".
  131. ^ "Bad Dog Brewing Company". "Google".
  132. ^ "Bad Dog Brewing Company 2". "Google".
  133. ^ "Northwest Connecticut Fire Fighting Museum". "CTMQ".
  134. ^ "Pretty excited". "Facebook".
  135. ^ "Ohio History Center". "Google".
  136. ^ "A little history from the Midwest". "Instagram – Okoboji Classic Cars".
  137. ^ "Classic Car Museum". "The Siouxland Blog".
  138. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car". "Web Archive – Old School Museum".
  139. ^ "Racer, Derby – 1960 Derby Championship – Object number 2017.003.01". "Old State House Museum".
  140. ^ "Memories of the Soap Box Derby in Maine". "Facebook".
  141. ^ "Owls Head Transportation Museum". "Google".
  142. ^ "Explore Exhibits – Marion Boyle Children's Room". "Peekskill Museum".
  143. ^ "Penn College Among Primary Sponsors of Local Soap Box Derby". "Pennsylvania College of Technology".
  144. ^ "It is the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal!". "Facebook".
  145. ^ "Embarking on a Journey Through Janesville History". "A Little Time and a Keyboard".
  146. ^ "Springfield, IL/USA-8/23/19:Motorheads bar and restaurant where the decor is made up of old signs, cars and parts.". "Alamy".
  147. ^ "Illinois Stories Rt 66 Motorheads WSEC TV PBS Springfield". "Youtube".
  148. ^ "2023 Visitor Guide". "St. Catharines".
  149. ^ "'The Graphite Kid' returns to lead national soap box derby parade". "San Diego Union-Tribune".
  150. ^ "Two Night Experiment – Saratoga Springs – 28–30 June 2016". "Shunpiking".
  151. ^ "Saratoga Automobile Museum – Soap Box Derby". "PBase".
  152. ^ "Saratoga Automobile Museum". "Google".
  153. ^ "Saratoga Automobile Museum – Patricia Hoffman". "Google".
  154. ^ "Seiverling Museum, A Car and Pedal Car Museum is at Ephrata Fair.". "Facebook".
  155. ^ "Seiverling Museum, A Car and Pedal Car Museum". "Facebook".
  156. ^ "Silver Creek Museum Photos". "Stephenson County Antique Engine Club".
  157. ^ "Thrill of a lifetime". "Sioux City Journal,". 3 Aug 2008.
  158. ^ "Jaycees Soap Box Derby Car". "Sioux City Public Museum".
  159. ^ "Sioux City Public Museum – red car". "Google".
  160. ^ "Sioux City Public Museum – white car". "Google".
  161. ^ "New to You: Recent Artifact Donations". "Sioux City".
  162. ^ "Smoky Hill Museum: Soapbox Derby Racing History". "YouTube".
  163. ^ "Smoky Hill Museum". "Facebook".
  164. ^ "South Dakota State Historical Society". "Facebook".
  165. ^ "Stables Cafe decor". "Google".
  166. ^ "Stables Cafe". "Google".
  167. ^ "The thrill of the soapbox derby". "The Beacon Herald".
  168. ^ "Gift of Richard E. Zicari". "Online collection, Museum of Play".
  169. ^ "Obituary of Richard E Zicari". "Harris Funeral Home".
  170. ^ "The Strong National Museum of Play". "Google".
  171. ^ "Soapbox car:1975 Soapbox Derby Racer". "Google Arts & Culture".
  172. ^ "Gift of David Marra". "Online collection, Museum of Play".
  173. ^ "Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Museum". "Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame".
  174. ^ "Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Museum TV spot". "YouTube".
  175. ^ "Very Old Soap Box Derby". "Flickr".
  176. ^ "Toronto Motorama Mayhem Serves Up Heavy Dose of Traditional Hot Rods and Customs". "In The Garage Media, image #57 of 97".
  177. ^ "Awesome action today at the Elora soapbox derby". "Facebook".
  178. ^ "Martino Motor Sports". "Instagram".
  179. ^ "Mahoning Valley Historical Society". "Facebook".
  180. ^ "Unser Racing Museum". "Google".
  181. ^ "The Albuquerque Tribune Soap Box Derby Car". "Flickr".
  182. ^ "Soap Box Derby Car". "Flickr".
  183. ^ "Unser Racing Museum officially closes its doors". "KRQE".
  184. ^ "Maintaining the Legacy of Lawrenceburg's Vance-Tousey House". "Indiana Landmarks".
  185. ^ "11th annual Derby a family affair". Daily News Leader. May 9, 2004.
  186. ^ "Oberursel 28". "Deviant Art".
  187. ^ "Kinderautomobile Und Seifenkisten". "Vortaunusmuseum".
  188. ^ "Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum". "Facebook".
  189. ^ "Photos of Wayne County Historical Museum". "Tripadvisor".
  190. ^ "Madison museum hosts soap box derby exhibit". "Twin Cities Pioneer Press".
  191. ^ "Ready, Set, Go!". "Facebook".
  192. ^ "1969 Western Canada Soap Box Derby Champion". "Flickr".

Sources

[edit]

Books

[edit]
  • Iula, Jeff; Ignizio, Bill (2011). How I Saw It: My Photographic Memory of the Soap Box Derby. University of Akron Press. ISBN 978-1935603078.
  • Eller, Richard (2024). Down the Hill: A Race to Remember. Redhawk Publications. ISBN 978-1959346449.

News

[edit]

Websites

[edit]
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