For sale is a 1960s SOAP BOX DERBY BOOSTER PINBACK from Beaver Falls, PA. This pinback is in excellent condition with great color, detail and graphics. The pin measures 1 3/4 in diameter. A great Americana collectible.
America has had a national Soap Box Derby gravity-powered racing program since 1934. Today, the World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. The Soap Box Derby concept was the idea of newsman Myron Scott of Dayton, Ohio who was covering a local story about boy-built race cars.
Today there are over 450 races are held across the US and overseas to determine regional winners to compete in the national event. The top three place winners in each age group and division earn college scholarships. Participants compete in one of three divisions: Stock, Super Stock and Masters. Drivers in both the Stock and Super Stock divisions range from 7-20 in age. While Stock is mainly for beginners who build simplified cars from kits, Super Stock racers build larger
model cars made from larger kits and shells. Masters competitors build a more sophisticated designed-style car. In competition, a Derby car can reach speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour depending on the angle of the ramp or hill.
model cars made from larger kits and shells. Masters competitors build a more sophisticated designed-style car. In competition, a Derby car can reach speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour depending on the angle of the ramp or hill.
