Salem Soap Box Derby

Only In America

2011-02-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

Derby folks all over the West Coast are eagerly anticipating the Tuesday February 14, 2011, airing of Only in America, the History Channel show hosted by Larry the Cable Guy will feature a segment filmed at Salem Soap Box Derby's 15th Annual Best in the West Classic race. The race was held Memorial Day Weekend May 29 & 30 2010 and Larry & Crew spent the weekend racing with us cracking jokes and more importantly learning all about Soap Box Derby.

Larry wanted to be involved with every aspect of the race, and helped Jared Sjolin get his Master car set up. He assisted Jarritt Youngers in the starting gates and even raced an oil can car against Hanna Welzbacker (Hannah won). Of course he had everyone laughing from the moment he arrived. But he was also a gracious celebrity guest, taking time to sign autographs on cars, helmets, t-shirts, etc. posing for pictures and joking with everyone. At the end of the day Larry had learned what Derby is all about, friends, family, fun, tough competition and good sportsmanship.

It was a great thrill for all of us at Salem Soap Box Derby to host Larry the Cable Guy and so to Larry and the entire cast and crew of Only in America, Thank You! Come race with us again!

For more information about racing with us at Salem Soap Box Derby, please visit our website:

http://salemsbd.org

More pictures from the day here:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/2010/06/best-in-west-wrap-up.html

Akron, 2010

2010-11-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

All year long kids race in hopes of earning their way to Akron and the All American Soap Box Derby World Championships. This year Salem sent three Local Champs, Aubrey McClaran in Stock, Tucker McClaran in Super Stock and Ryan Wixson in Masters. Two Region One Rally Champs from Salem also qualified, Jarritt Youngers and Cullen Tucker, both in Stock Rally.

But before our Champs could head out, the cars had to be crated, shipped and funds had to be raised at the Salem Art Fair where the SSBDA operates a food booth with kids and families volunteering their time.

The Champs made their way to Akron arriving in time for Wes Foster's annual Sunday night dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Akron where our kids and families met their friends from Washington, Alaska and California.

Monday morning all the Champs from around the country and world lined up in downtown Akron and traded buttons before getting their ceremonial chauffeur driven, police escorted tour of Akron, arriving to cheers in front of the Akron Aero's stadium, where the Champs signed in, tossed out souvenirs and checked for their lane / heat draw.

An extra practice run was added this year on Tuesday, giving all the Champs an extra trial run down the big hill. All the final alignment and adjustments were made after the Wednesday practice run and then the Champs crossed their fingers, held their best good luck charm and chose what they hoped would be the fast set of wheels. Time for fun, meeting up with old and new friends. Even some of the grownups got a trip down the big hill.

The weather was very hot and humid on race day. The day started out well for Region One Champs with Cullen, Anthony, Danielle and Tucker all winning their opening heats. And at the end of the day Anthony Poggi from Poulsbo had won 8th Place in Stock, our friend from California Maddie Quinn won 2nd place in masters Rally and Salem's Tucker McClaran was the Super Stock World Champion.

It was a fantastic week of racing fun. Most importantly we can be proud of all of our kids for the way they represented Salem and the Northwest demonstrating to the rest of the country our core values of good sportsmanship.

Best in the West Wrap Up

2010-06-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

So much cool stuff happened at last weekend's Best in the West Classic, I'm not sure where to start. First of all there was the weather. In one of the rainiest Mays in recent history, we had 36 hours of dry weather, while it rained all around us, it never rained on the track until the final race Sunday, when it began to sprinkle ever so slightly. Thanks Weather Gods!

We had large field of racers from as far north as Stanwood Washington and as far south as Tuolumne California. The first Masters field of the season also took to the track. It was great to see the sleek master cars back.

The BBQ on Saturday evening was delayed due to a faulty grill but the crew improvised and fed a group of hungry and tired racers and families.

On Sunday former Salem Champ (1976) and founder of our Legacy Sponorship Program Robert Mossbrucker Jr. stopped by to cheer for the Legacy racers, Anna and Faith. Mr. Mossbrucker brought his Dad, Robert Mossbrucker Sr. with him. Robert Sr. raced in the original Salem Soap Box Derby back in 1952, and wearing his original helmet he challenged his son to an oil can race. You can probably guess who won, but let's just say that Jr. may be a former Champ, but he still needs to go faster to catch up with his Dad.

Robert Mossbrucker Sr.
Robert Mossbrucker Jr.

Oh, and then there was Larry. Larry the Cable Guy came to the Salem track to film a episode for his upcoming History Channel show, tentatively titled "Only in America". In addition to keeping the whole crowd in stitches of laughter, Larry got involved in every aspect of the race, from helping out pit crews, starting, announcing, and racing a oil can car. Larry should have known he didn't stand a chance against Hannah Welzbacker's Watermelon Car. But the kids showed him all day long that being a good sport is more important than winning and at the end of the day Larry was awarded a special Sportsmanship medal.

Larry and Jared preparing the change a brake pad

Larry kisses Jill's "Kiss This" sticker

Larry shows himself to be a good sport after being defeated by Hannah

Then there was actual racing, the final AA Rally of the 2010 season from Region One, helping decide who will represent the Northwest region in Akron as Rally Champs this July. Congrats to Saturday's winners, Isaac Naschke, Edward Hodge and Maddie Quinn, as well as Sunday's winners Aubrey McClaran, Tucker McClaran and Betsy Smith. Complete race results are available on the SSBDA website here: http://salemsbd.org/results.html

A big thanks to all who worked hard to make the 15th Annual Best in the West Classic a spectacular success. And Thanks to all the racers who traveled, across the west coast or just across town, to make the race exciting and fun for all.

Next up, the 59th Annual Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship, June 13th.

Drew Carney to return to the Salem Soap Box Derby

2010-05-19T19:39:00.001-07:00

Next Wednesday Morning, from May 26 from 4:45 am to 7:00 am, Drew Carney from KGW Channel 8 will film a segment on the Salem Soap Box Derby. Drew shot a segment on us a couple of years ago and had a great time, so now he wants to come back.

We're asking for a few volunteers to come down very early Wednesday for a chance to take a run down the track on television. Drew will do a few interviews and is also planning on racing on of our newly refurbished Oil Can Cars. If you get out of bed super early next Wednesday, come on down, it should be a lot of fun.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

2010-05-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

Saturday May 15, 2010 – Local Championship Pre-Inspection & Practice for all cars that will compete in the June 13th Local Championship. Pre-Inspection is mandatory. If you are unable to be at the pre-inspection please contact: Race Director Jim Youngers, salemsoapboxderby@gmail.com Inspections from 8:00 am – 11:30 am. You must be in line for inspection by 10:30am. After inspections the track will be open for practice and trial runs.

Saturday May 29 & Sunday May 30, 2010 – The 15th Annual Best In The West Classic, AA RALLY

One double elimination race each day, all three divisions, Stock, Super Stock and AA Masters. Plus Oil Can Races for adults. BBQ at the track after the race on Saturday.

Saturday June 12, 2010 – Local Championship – Final Inspection & Pre-Race Banquet.

Final Inspection and weigh in will be held at Bush Park beginning at 9:00 am. All cars will be impounded once they pass inspection for the race on Sunday. Map and info for the banquet will be available at final inspection.

Sunday June 13, 2010 – The 59th Annual Gravity Gran Prix - Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship.

Final weigh in begins at 8:00 am. Past Champs will lead the Driver’s Parade at 10:00, racing to follow. Championship Awards and Trophies will be presented following the races. Winners in each division will represent Salem and Oregon at the All American Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron Ohio, July 24, 2010.

Poulsbo Race Results, April 17 & 18, Kitsap SBD

2010-04-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2010
Stock Division
1. Cameron Russell
2. Jarritt Youngers
3. Emma Jones
4. Alex Lemke
5. Alaina Marcotte
6. Ryan Mottner
7. Tajha Goodwin
8. Ston Van Bynum

Super Stock Division
1. Tucker McClaran
2. Josh Monette
3. Ryan Wixson
4. Hannah Welzbacker
5. Tommy Walters
6. Lisa Cooper
7. Samantha Marcotte
8. Andrew Tufts

Sportsmanship Award: Tommy Walters

April 18, 2010
Stock Division
1. Cameron Russell
2. Jarritt Youngers
3. Emma Jones
4. Ryan Mottner
5. Aubrey McClaran
6. Alex Lemke
7. Tajha Goodwin
8. Stone Van Beynum

Super Stock Division
1. Ryan Wixson
2. Tucker McClaran
3. Josh Monette
4. Tommy Walters
5. Hannah Welzbacker
6. Lisa Cooper
7. Robert Miyoshi
8. Gage Mayer

Sportsmanship Award: Jarritt Youngers

Race Season is Here! Important Dates.

2010-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

The race schedule is heating up. Kitsap SBD is hosting their first rally of 2010 this weekend and the first ever Olympia Rally on May 1 & 2.

Pre-Inspection for the Salem Local is May 15 from 9am - noon at Bush Park in the pits area. This is a shell off inspection for all racers who will be participating in the Local. We'll also be offering practice runs on the hill and set up and tuning help. Please contact us for any questions. Pre registration forms for the local will be going out soon.

The 15th Annual Best in the West is May 29 and 30. We're planning on a large field including all three divisions (yes, Masters cars are coming back!). There will be a barbeque dinner after the race on Saturday at the track, oil can racing for grown ups and lot's of fun for everyone. Please mark your calendar and plan on coming to compete for West Coast bragging rights. Pre-registration forms will be going out soon but in the meantime shoot us an email and let us know if you plan on attending.

The 59th annual Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship Race, The Gravity Gran Prix is Sunday June 13. Final inspections on Saturday and once passed inspection all cars will be impounded for the race. A banquet will be held Saturday night and historic photos will be on exhibit, past champs will be celebrated, awards for best car construction and design will be chosen and heat / lane drawings for the race will be held. Come be a part of Salem's grand racing tradition.

One final note, our race posters are now available for purchase. They are printed in a limited edition on high quality paper. Small posters (8 &1/2 x 11 ") are $7.50 and large (11 x 17") are $15. Custom orders are available in larger sizes. If you are interested in purchasing one of these collector's items please let us know. All proceeds support the Derby.

AAA Rally Race Results

2010-04-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came and raced and especially to everyone who helped out. We had great weather and really fun time. Here's the results:

Saturday April 10, 2010

Stock Division:

1st Cullen Tucker,

2nd Aubrey McClaran,

3rd Chase Groome,

4th Tajha Goodwin,

5th Alex Lemke,

6th Jarritt Youngers,

7th Anna Kreidel,

8th Kit Ellsworth

Super Stock Division:

1st Tucker McClaran,

2nd Ryan Wixson,

3rd Edward Hodge,

4th Maj Wehrmeister,

5th Hannah Welzbacker,

6th Andrew Tufts,

7th Josh Monette,

8th Brittnea Lawhorn

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Stock Division :

1st Cullen Tucker,

2nd Aubrey McClaran,

3rd Sierra Smith,

4th Mikayla Sadler,

5th Alex Lemke,

6th Tajha Goodwin,

7th Kit Ellsworth,

8th Jarritt Youngers

Super Stock Division:

1st Edward Hodge,

2nd Ryan Wixson,

3rd Hannah Welzbacker,

4th Tucker McClaran,

5th Josh Monette,

6th Brittnea Lawhorn,

7th Maj Wehrmeister,

8th Andrew Tufts

Need a New Stock Car?

2010-03-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone looking to purchase a new Stock car kit, we have an opportunity to offer a one time discounted price, in conjunction with our friends from Northern California. A complete Stock kit w/ wheels for $568, about a $75 discount. There is only one of these available and the order must be received in the next couple of...... days so please contact Jim Youngers asap if you'd like to take advantage of this great offer.

April All American, AAA Rally

2010-03-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

April 10th and 11th, Be There!

Spring Opener Results

2010-03-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

What an awesome turnout and 2 great days of racing! Many thanks to everyone who came to race this weekend, especially to all of our new racers as well as folks who came down from Washington, up from Eugene and over the mountains from Bend. On Saturday we had a total of 24 racers, 13 Stock (7 - 1st time racers); 9 Super Stock (1 - 1st time racer); & 2 masters. Great weather and great racing with a number of new racers trophying.

We could not put the races on without the help of many volunteers who pitch in and we'd like to thank all of you. Special thanks to Roger Porter for lifting cars and helping out all weekend.

Congratulations to the Sportsmanship Award Winners, Lisa Cooper and Aubrey McClaran for showing what it's really all about. The youth reps had an especially hard time selecting the Sportsmanship awards for the weekend cause so many of you did such a great job. Special recognition goes to Cameron Reinhart for all his help lifting cars at the bottom.

Great job everyone, hope to see you all back in 3 weeks for the first Spring AA Rally.

Race Results as follows:

03/20/10 Stock:

1^st-Aubrey McClaran

2^nd-Alan Schwabauer

3^rd-Kit Ellsworth

4^th- Kristina Groome

5^th-Jarritt Youngers

6^th-Alex Kennedy

7^th-Chase Groome

8^th-Mikayla Sadler

Super Stock:

1^st-Tucker McClaran

2^nd- Cullen Tucker

3^rd- Edward Hodge

4^th - Paige Gear

5^th-Lisa Cooper

6^th - Kyle Baker

7^th- Maj Wehrmeister

8^th- Brittnea Lawhorn

Masters Division:

1^st-Cameron Reinhart

2^nd-Aidan King

3/21/10-Stock Division:

1st-Aubrey McClaran

2nd-MiKayla Sadler

3rd-Kallan Wehrmeister

4th-JarrittYoungers

5th-Dawson Hunt

6th-Kit Ellsworth

7th-Tajha Dawso;

8th Devin Hunt

Super Stock Division:

1st-Paige Gear

2nd-Tucker McClaran

3rd-Edward Hodge

4th-Cullen Tucker

5th-Maj Wehrmeister

6th-Lisa Cooper

7th-Brittnea Lawhorn

Masters Division:

1^st-Cameron Reinhart

2^nd-Aidan King

Discounted Hotel Rates for Racers

2010-03-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

Shilo Inns in Salem is offering deeply discounted room rates for racers. Let them know you are with the Salem Soap Box Derby when making your reservation by phone or if making your reservation online use the discount code : SOAPBOX

Visit the "To The Track" section of our main website for more details.

New Board of Directors in Akron

2010-03-02T14:35:00.001-08:00

The All American Soap Box Derby has added new members to the Board of Directors. Read the entire article here:

http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/85563602.html

February – News from Salem

2010-02-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Salem

The weather these last few days has been beautiful and spring is definitely in the air, which means that race season is almost here. Our first race of the spring session, an NDR Rally is coming up in just 4 weeks, March 20 &21 and promises to be a really fun event. NDR rallies offer eligibility to racers as young as 7 and as old as 20. And with weight limits in Super Stock and Masters slightly higher than AA, if you’ve been growing (or have passed age eligibility in AA) and are having a hard time making weight, you can still race in NDR.

As an added bonus, this spring we are offering a super discounted entry fees of just $20 for past racers and FREE for anyone who has never raced Soap Box Derby before. We’ll be offering trial runs in association cars, as time permits, to kids who are interested in trying out the hill and offering car tuning and building help to new car builders. So come on out and join the fun. Look for some new additions at and around the track to help enhance the race atmosphere and to encourage new participants.

We have some new racers to introduce. Our new Legacy Sponsorship program, founded by past Champions Robie Mossbrucker, 1976 and Tom Parent, 1977, along with the West Salem Boys and Girls Club has chosen Shelby Peterson and Anna Kriedel, both 11 years old, to campaign in Stock this season. They are busy building their cars along with their volunteer pit crew from the Boys and Girls Club and are a very enthusiastic group to work with. We’ll have some pictures soon on our blog of their car building efforts and their great teamwork. Welcome to the great sport of racing girls!

We also want to welcome Maj and Kallan Wehrmeister who have recently relocated to Lake Oswego from Vallejo, CA. Maj represented Region 2 as Stock Rally Champ last year in Akron and is building a Super Stock to rally. Kallan is a first year racer in Stock. So let’s extend a warm Oregon welcome to the Wehrmeister family.

Saturday March 13 we are planning a workday to get ready for the season. We will be checking our equipment, including all the association cars, making some repairs at the track to the sound system and tuning up the association cars. If anyone would like to volunteer to help out please let us know. We also still have a couple of oil can cars that need some TLC so let us know if you can adopt an oil can to make some minor repairs.

For those of you concerned abut the state of business in Akron, things are looking up. As first reported on our blog, http://salemsbd.blogspot.com AASBD, First Merit bank and the City of Akron have reached a deal to restructure debt with the loan guaranteed by the City of Akron. This is great news and bodes well for the future of Derby.

For our out of town racers, we are in the process of finalizing an agreement with the Shilo Inns and Suites of Salem. They are offering our racer’s families a rate of $ 65.95 per night at their facility on Market St. in Salem. Their amenities include free wireless internet service, an indoor pool and spa, and a deluxe continental breakfast. Stay tuned for more details as well as a confirmation code to access this rate for online booking-we’re just a day or two away from getting this put to bed.

Lastly we want to extend a big Thank You to our sponsors, Les Schwab, PrintIt Sign Media, Maaco, Peterson Collector Cars, Hess Design and of course the great City of Salem. The support of these folks is crucial to us and we ask everyone to support them in return.

Jim Youngers-Race Director

And the Entire Board From SSBDA

NDR Spring Opener

2010-02-19T17:36:00.001-08:00

Only 4 weeks until race season!

Click image to see full size.

2010-02-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Great news from Akron. The city of Akron, AASBD and First Merit Bank have come to an agreement to restructure debt and save the Derby:

http://www.ohio.com/news/83847457.html

&

http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=37506&section=news&subsection=localnews&title=Soap_Box_Rescue_Mayor_Says_Yes

2010-01-14T16:40:00.001-08:00

The Salem Soap Box Derby Winter Fun Event is next Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 1pm-3pm at the AMF Firebird Lanes, 4303 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Open to all racers from last year’s Local Championship race and any one who plans on racing in this year’s Local race at no charge. Parents & others may participate... at normal rates. Come on out and join the fun. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Jarritt Youngers; email jarrittyoungers@comcast.net or

(503) 798-0078.

January Newsletter

2010-01-04T21:46:00.001-08:00

January 1, 2010

Greetings from Salem,

We’ve got lots of news to share. First off, our website has been completely re-designed and updated. There is a wealth of information for those folks new to racing as well as the veterans; many new pictures, a new “History” section celebrating our six decades of racing and the 2010 schedule is posted. Please have a look and let us know what you think:

www.salemsbd.org

I’m very excited to announce our new Legacy Sponsorship program. Founded by former Salem Champs, Robert Mossbrucker, (1977) and Tom Parent, (1976) the Legacy Sponsorship Program will provide opportunities for underprivileged children, who for economic or other reasons would not otherwise be able to participate in Derby racing. The program also provides opportunities for Past Champions, Racers, Board Members and other former participants to contribute to the Salem SBD Association and the Salem community. As founders of the program, Mr. Mossbrucker and Mr. Parent have each donated a new stock car kit. Working in partnership with the Salem Boy’s and Girl’s Club, participants will be chosen based on need, scholarship and sportsmanship. To find out more about the Legacy Sponsorship program and how you can participate see our website or contact me directly. And remember as a 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit any contributions to the Salem Soap Box Derby are tax deductible.

In our efforts to recruit new participants Salem SBD is working on new business sponsorships. We have a couple of new sponsors lined up already and are working out the final details with them. We believe partnerships with businesses will be a great way to bring new racers into the sport and raise our profile in the community. If you have any suggestions or leads for business partnerships please contact us directly.

Also, as part of our recruitment efforts, we are hosting a series of information booths at various locations around town. Each first Wednesday, as part of the “Go Downtown Salem” event we will have an information booth showing off derby cars and passing our flyers. Come on downtown this Wednesday, January 6 and join us.

As I mentioned the 2010 schedule is now finalized. Our Spring Opener will be a NDR rally on March 20-21. The Spring Opener will be a low cost entry fee, only $20 per race for Salem SBD members and will be Free for first time racers. This is a great opportunity to get some track time, test those new setups and get ready for the AA rallies that begin in April, as well as the Local.

Olympia will host their first ever Derby race in conjunction with our friends from Kitsap SBD. Organized by racer Jared Sjolin this is going to be fun race and a great opportunity to introduce our sport to the folks in the Washington capital. Check the website for the complete 2010 schedule.

Many of you have likely heard grim news reports about the state of business in Akron and no doubt these are difficult times. AASBD Chairman Bill Evans has written a letter reassuring us that the 73rd World Championships will be held this summer in Akron. You can read his letter on our blog:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/

Only 10 weeks until the Spring Opener race. As mentioned in the November newsletter, please be sure to check out your floorboards. We will be checking floorboards at the Spring Opener race. Out of spec floorboards will not be disqualified for the Spring Opener but will need to be updated prior to the AA Rally in April. Details of the new floorboard policy are posted on our blog:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/

Our annual Winter Youth Event will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 1 pm-3pm at the AMF Firebird Lanes, 4303 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Open to all racers from last year’s Local Championship race and any one who plans on racing in this year’s Local race at no charge. Parents & others may participate at normal rates. Come on out and join the fun. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Jarritt Youngers; email jarrittyoungers@comcast.net or (503) 798-0078.

As mentioned previously we are looking for volunteers to “Adopt An Oilcan Car”. I’m certain most of you have seen, our Oilcan cars are in need of some serious TLC and we’d like to get them all refurbished (and safe) for the upcoming race season. If you’d like to help out (please) and take one home to work on over the winter please let us know and we’ll get you lined up. It would be a fun family project and a great way to help out Derby. We’re hoping to have them all back in tiptop shape this coming season for some fun adult racing action.

Happy New Year from all of us at Salem Soap Box Derby. We are excited about our upcoming season and look forward to seeing you at the track.

Jim Youngers, Race Director

Floorboard Phaseout

2009-12-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

As noted previously in our November Newsletter Akron is instituting a floorboard phaseout. We strongly recommend you check your flooorboard to make sure they meet spec. The official policy is below:

As of October 1, 2009:

The following stock and super stock laminated wood floorboards manufactured during the period of 1998 through 2005 will be phased out as follows with a final phase out date of August 1, 2012.

A description of the floorboards and their markings are as follows:

1998: The floorboards that do not have a burn stamp on them. Phase out: Immediately

1999-2001: The floorboards that have a “SBD” burn stamp on them. Phase out: No later than August 1, 2011

2002-2005: The floorboards that have a “SBD/Shield” burn stamp on them. Phase out: No later than August 1, 2012

Additionally, the following shall apply:

Stock Division: If upon measuring, any stock car that is found to have the front king pin greater than 7-15/16” from the front center of the floorboard to the center of the front kingpin, the floorboard is now considered illegal and can no longer be used.

Stock Division: The center of the front king pin to the center of the rear king pin is 61-1/8”,with a tolerance of +/- 1/16”. If upon measuring, these conditions are not met, the floorboardis now considered illegal and can no longer be used.

Super Stock Division: If upon measuring, the front king pin is found to be greater than 5-13/16” from the front center of the floorboard to the center of the front king pin, the floorboard is now considered illegal and can no longer be used.

Super Stock Division: The center of the front king pin to the center of the rear king pin is 63 3/8”, with the tolerance of +/- 1/16”. If upon measuring these conditions are not met, the floorboard is now considered illegal and can no longer be used.

The rationale behind this phase out period is listed below:
(1) Racers were permitted to re-drill their king pin hole in order to install the bushing
(2) Some racers have taken advantage of the opportunity to re-drill the king pin hole
and as a result have moved the hole closer to the rear of the car.
(3) With the above occurring, this has created an unfair advantage to the racers that
installed their bushing properly and are racing with floorboards manufactured after
2005.

Letter from Bill Evans

2009-12-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

The Akron Beacon Journal recently published an article about the All-American Soap Box Derby’s current financial condition. This story was picked up by the Associated Press and appeared in several newspapers across the country. We feel it necessary to clarify a few misconceptions it may have created. The story seemed to suggest the Derby, based in Akron, Ohio, is on the verge of collapse. Although our situation is indeed serious, we want to assure our thousands of racers and their families across the country that we are confident support for the Derby is forthcoming. We intend on hosting our Championship Event in July 2010 in Akron, Ohio.

We are working closely with our bank to come to terms on our loan, and we’re aggressively seeking new forms of revenue. After USA Today published its own story this fall about our finances and future plans, we heard from companies and individuals interested in Derby sponsorship. We’re in discussions with some of them now. The actor, producer and director Corbin Bernsen also read the USA Today article. He was so inspired by our organization, he wrote a screenplay with the Derby in the central role. Bernsen plans to shoot part of the film in Akron, including scenes at our annual championship in July when winners from all over convene at Akron’s Derby Downs. Bernsen recently came to Akron to experience the “thrill of the hill” himself and discuss business matters, including a potential licensing fee for the Derby. We have had a groundswell of local support and we have meetings with the bank scheduled to resolve the current situation.

None of this is magic. We need money to keep the Derby dream alive for future generations of racers. We also need money to continue to expand our program into events involving alternative energies and other “green” resources. These sorts of deals take time, but we’re sure the event National Geographic recently called an American icon and SI Kids called the “coolest” will draw the support it needs to thrive.

Build your cars, follow your dreams, and we’ll see you in Akron when the cameras roll.

Sincerely,

Bill Evans
Chairman, Board of Directors
All American Soap Box Derby

New Website Launched

2009-12-07T17:50:00.001-08:00

Salem SBD is pleased to announce the launch of our new website. Please have a look and let us know what you think:

http://salemsbd.org/

Spring and Summer 2010 Race Schedule

2009-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Race Directors from Salem, Kitsap, Mt Vernon and Stanwood met Sunday and have finalized the race schedule, see below. Exciting news of a proposed AA Rally to be held in Olympia on May 1 & 2 was also announced. More details on that race to come. So mark your calendars and plan on a busy racing season.

2010 Region 1 Soap Box Derby Schedule

March, 2010
3/20-21/10 - NDR Rally-Salem
3/27-28/10 AA Rally Vallejo Ca.

April, 2010
4/3-4/10 - Easter Sunday-No racing
4/10-11/10 - AA Rally-Salem
4/17-18/10 - AA Rally-Kitsap
4/24-25/10 - No racing

May, 2010
5/1-2/10 - AA Rally-Olympia-sanctioned by Kitsap SBDA
5/8-9/10 - Mother’s Day-No Racing
5/15/10 - Salem local pre-inspection & Mt Vernon Local Inspection
5/16/10 - Mt. Vernon Local Championship
5/22-23/10 - AA Rally-Kitsap
5/29-30/10 - Best In The West AA Rally-Salem

June, 2010
6/5-6/10 - Kitsap Local Inspection/Championship
6/12/10 - Salem Local Inspection & Banquet
6/13/10 - 59th Annual Salem Local Championship
6/19-20/10 - Father’s Day-Stanwood Local Championship
6/26-27/10 - No Racing

July, 2010
7/19-24/10 - Akron All-American Championship week
7/25-31/10 - NDR National Championship race week

2011 Race Season

August, 2010
8/7-8/10- AA Rally-Stanwood/Camano Island
8/14-15/10 - AA Summer in the City Rally-Salem
8/21-22/10 - No Racing
8/28-29/10 - AA Rally-Kitsap

September, 2010
9/4-5/10 - Labor Day Weekend
9/11-12/10 - AA Rally-Salem
9/18-19/10 - AA Rally-Mt. Vernon
9/25-26/10 - NDR Rally-Salem

October, 2010
10/2-3/10 - AA Rally-Kitsap
10/9-10/10 - AA Rally-Salem
10/16-17/10 - Open
10/23-24/10 - Open

2009-11-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Salem Soap Box Derby
November 17, 2009

The rains have come, the leaves are falling and the squirrels are taking over the track but the folks at Salem Soap Box Derby are already busy planning a great Spring and Summer season. Our schedule will be finalized soon and posted on our website,
www.salemsbd.org
Please check back for updates.

There are a few things we want to bring you up to date on. First of all the folks in Akron have decided in the interest of fairness to begin phasing out some of the older floorboards. This is due to rules in place at the time the floorboards were manufactured, which allowed drilling king pin holes. Some folks figured out how to re-drill the holes in such a way as to create boards with an unfair advantage. The phase out period will be in effect through August 1, 2012, with the oldest floorboards being phased out immediately. So please read the official announcement below and check your floorboard prior to the next AA Race. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. With these rules changes in mind, we are planning a floorboard inspection day for anyone who is unsure about their floorboard, with time and place to be announced. We realize this may be a burden on some families, we just want to do everything we can now to make sure once the season begins, it goes smoothly.

Next on the agenda we are looking for volunteers to “Adopt An Oilcan Car”. As most of you have seen, our Oilcan cars are in need of some serious TLC and we’d like to get them all refurbished (and safe) for the upcoming race season. If you’d like to help out (please) and take one home to work on over the winter please let us know and we’ll get you lined up.. We’re hoping to have them all back in tiptop shape this coming season for some fun adult racing action.

We have some exciting news to tell you about. In addition to updating our website (coming very soon) we now have two new web presences to let you know about. Our Facebook fan page can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com//photo.php?pid=30399975&id=1138788343#/pages/Salem-
OR/Salem-Soap-Box-Derby/308930285222?ref=mf
We also now have a blog for news, announcements and items of general interest. Our blog is here:
http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/

Finally, we want to send out a call for new racers. The Salem SBD has cars available, they just need drivers. If you know of any interested families or children who want to be a part of the Soap Box Derby family please let us know. More racers mean more fun. But most importantly we want you back racing with us this coming Spring.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Best Regards,
Jim Youngers, Salem SBD Race Director : salemsoapboxderby@gmail.com

PS Please contact us if you'd like to join our email list to receive future news and announcements.

A New Website

2009-11-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

Keep your eyes out for the debut of the new Salem SBD Website. Our crack team of designers headed up by the inimitable Lydia Hess is hard at work as we speak. Here's a sneak peak at the new logo.

An Iconic American Event

2009-11-15T09:48:00.001-08:00

The All American Soap Box Derby has been listed as one of America's most Iconic events in a new book published by National Geographic. The book USA 101 features the Soap Box Derby along side events such as the Indy 500 and Little League World Series. Of course we already knew that, but it's nice the word is getting out to the rest of the world.

Actor writes screenplay about Soap Box Derby

2009-11-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.ohio.com/news/69906852.html

and a slightly different version on the aasbd site:

http://aasbd.com/derbyscriptrelease.htm

Soap Box Derby considering ideas like solar-powered cars, student-designed racers

2009-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

An interesting article in the Cleveland newspaper worth checking out:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/soap_box_derby_looking_at_new.html

Facebook.

2009-10-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Salem SBD Facebook Fan page now has 28 friends.

Salem Soap Box Derby, Now on Facebook

2009-10-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

We have a fan page here.

So if your a Facebook member become a fan.

Back in the Day at Akron

2009-10-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic video clip of the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron in the 30's. Wish we could find any film clips of the Salem races.

Cool video with some of our Californial friends.

2009-10-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Weight Placement

2009-10-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on weight placement, here. Seems t confirm conventional wisdom. As with anything, just because you read it on the internet doesn't make it so, so take it with a grain of salt, but the science is interesting.

Isn't it Worth Saving The Soap Box Derby? Found via Twitter

2009-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Found this post from Performance Research Blog Here:
http://blog.performanceresearch.com/2009/10/13/isnt-it-worth-saving-the-soap-box-derby/

Here's the text of the post:

We all know that the current economic state has affected the way that companies spend their marketing and sponsorship budgets in regards to major sports properties like NASCAR and the PGA. If we take a deeper look, we can also see how the little guy is being affected by corporate budget cuts. One example is the current situation facing the All American Soap Box Derby. Since 1933, the AASBD has been the governing body of American soap box racers. They govern regional events, culminating with a National Championship in Akron, Ohio each July.

Two years ago the AASBD lost their title sponsor and are now struggling to stay afloat as they will incur a financial loss for the second year in a row. With only a few regional sponsors, and a dwindling budget, the organization hopes that some company will come forward with the $250,000 annual title sponsor charge. While the price may seem relatively small compared to the fees charged by larger organizations, the AASBD is constantly reminded about the lack of marketing funds from potential sponsors for the upcoming year So what is the organization supposed to do?

Well it seems as if the AASBD has a plan. This non-for-profit group is taking a new approach in which their value to potential sponsors is highlighted. Right in step with the green movement amongst Corporate America, the group will focus its sponsor pitch on the fact that their sport uses only gravity during competition. Paul Swangard of the University of Oregon recently remarked in USA Today that the AASBD has “been green longer than Al Gore”, and suggests that an alternative energy company may want to sign on at this price.

The fact that the AASBD is presenting themselves off as a green group may be just the type of sales pitch that they need. This, coupled with their non-for-profit classification puts them in a prime spot for companies wanting to benefit from cause marketing. As we have mentioned on this blog previously, cause marketing in the current economy ensures companies remain relevant through sponsorship, while touching a positive place in the hearts of consumers.

Besides the opportunity of a sponsor capitalizing on soap box racing as a non-profit eco-friendly sport, a corporation could also benefit from sponsoring a sport that is considered as American as apple pie. During this period of economic hardship it seems logical to show some national pride by teaming up with an American tradition.

It will be interesting to see which companies rev up this flailing sport, and by which methods of sponsorship they decide to activate. If a sponsor does partner with the AASBD, a strong plan of action will go a long way in benefiting from the relatively inexpensive cost of the title sponsor slot. As our Vice President Bill Doyle stated this past spring, sponsors should go on a “diet”. If done effectively, a $250,000 sponsorship of this worthwhile organization seems like it could match a sponsorship manager’s appetite perfectly.

This new blog

2009-10-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a brand new blog about Soap Box Derby Racing, the Salem Soap Box Derby Association and racing at our beautiful track in Salem's Bush Pasture Park. Check in frequently for new posts.