An Invitation To Houston's Soap Box Derby
			by Debi Osborne

On Canada Day, July 1st, 1999, Houston will be holding it's 3rd Annual Soap Box Derby. We all know that a Derby is a race, but what is a soap box? In the "Old Days" we called them Go-Karts. Whatever you call them, they are described as a "gravity- powered race car" made of virtually any material. It has to have brakes, and some way of steering, but other than that, the rules are pretty simple!

The First Derby in 1997

Most of the Soap Boxes entered are constructed from wood, and are classified in Derby Associations as Stock Cars. Painted plywood is a popular choice, being light, inexpensive and easy to work with. Larger cars, built to carry weights of up to 150 lbs., are called Super Stock Cars. Fiberglass cars are in a Masters Division and can be made from scratch, or from a kit. In 1998, Houston saw its first fiberglass design, built locally by Tiemo Meints. Categories for the Derby divide the young drivers into groups of 8 to 9 year olds, 10-11,12-13 and 14-16.

Soapbox racer in 1997

One car is often shared by numerous family members of different ages, so that it competes in more than one race. A car's chance at winning can change drastically between different drivers. A child's weight, driving capabilities and determination can all influence the timing between first and second place.