The Southern Maryland Soap Box Derby is now proudly sponsored by the third district Optimists and is pursuing interest to expand our event to higher levels. We are currently working towards a dedicated Soap Box Derby Racing facility to enable year round racing with the All American Rally program and the National Derby Rally Association.
       The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that involves our community, families, and businesses in a wholesome and competitive boxcar race that is sanctioned by the All American Soap Box Derby. It has been run locally for the past 12 years in Southern Maryland and nationally since 1934.The AASBD Local Championship race is held every June and the World Championship finals are held annually in July in Akron, Ohio at Derby Downs. It is comprised of more than 500 qualifiers from 40 U.S. states and five foreign countries (Japan, Germany, New Zealand, Guam and the Philippines). 
       The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott. He covered a race of boy-built cars in his home community and was so impressed with the event that he acquired a copyright for the idea and began development of a similar program on a national scale.
       The first All-American race was held in Dayton in 1934. The race was moved to Akron the following year because of its central location and hilly terrain. In 1936 civic leaders recognized the need for a permanent track site for the youth racing classic and, through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration, Derby Downs became a reality. Each year since, youngsters from throughout the United States have come to Akron with the racers they have built and driven to victory in their home communities.
       Currently Southern Maryland Derby has only two of the three racing divisions listed Stock and Super-Stock. We are hoping to be able to expand our racing event to include the Masters Division in the future.
       *Stock Division – Boys and girls (ages 8-17) compete in simplified cars built from kits, which assist the derby novice by providing a step-by-step layout for construction of a basic style car. This division is designed to give the first-time builder a learning experience.
       *Super Stock Division – Boys and girls (ages 8-17) have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and build a larger, heavier model car from kits (including shell). 
       *Masters Division – Boys and girls (ages 10-17) have the opportunity to build a more sophisticated designed-style car in this advanced class of racing.  Masters entrants build a car from scratch or purchase a Masters Kit (including shell) from the All-American Soap Box Derby.
       The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since it began in 1934. They are to teach youngsters the basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition, and the perseverance to continue a project once it has begun. The Derby is also a time for families to work together.