All-American Soap Box Derby |
On March 27, the city of Troy will host Alabama’s only officially sanctioned All-American Soap Box Derby, featuring boys and girls ages 9 to 16 competing for a trip to the national finals in Akron, Ohio, in August. In 1933, the first All-American Soap Box Derby, also known as the “Gravity Grand Prix,” was staged when 362 competitors showed up with homemade cars constructed from orange crates, little red wagons, and baby buggies to see who could reach the bottom of a death-defying hill in Dayton, Ohio, first. Over the years ingenious drivers have resorted to anything to gain an advantage. In 1945, one enterprising kid smeared not only his car but also his face with graphite to reduce wind resistance. As he sped to victory, the crowd of some 30,000 chanted, “Al Jolson, Al Jolson.” For more information, call 334-566-4970. &