The New-Gazette would have you believe that all the boys in Champaign-Urbana had visions of race cars in their heads during the heyday of the All-American Soap Box Derby. The city race ran for 5 years, 1939-1941, 1946-1947, and served as the qualifier for the national finals held in Akron, Ohio.
Sponsored by The New-Gazette and Sullivan Chevrolet the grand winner of the derby would receive a free trip to the national finals. All other heat and class winners received a slew of prizes donated by the sponsors -- all and all it was a great day for enterprising young men.
The cars themselves were built by the boys to exacting specifications. One of the regulations stipulated that the car and driver combined could not weigh more than 250 pounds. Each car was inspected before the race by representatives from Sullivan Chevrolet and many young men had to perform some hasty revisions such as “driving without shoes” to squeak in under the weight requirement. [1]
The first Champaign-Urbana race was held on the hill by South Side School on Pine Street between West Daniel and John in 1939. 6,000 spectators turned out to watch 47 participants take their turn on the 600 foot course. Donald Foote, the 1939 champion, reached a top speed of 20 m.p.h on his 24 second final run. [2]
The race in later years would move to the Vine Street underpass, just south of the old Five points intersection, in Urbana. [3]
1947 saw the last derby race. Both The News-Gazette and Sullivan Chevrolet were sued - unsuccessfully - by bystanders who were injured when one of the cars in the 1947 race lost control and went into the crowd. [3]
The Champaign County Historical Archives has dozens of photographs from these races in our collection. Come and see the proud young men and their cars.
[1] "Soap box derby racers show ingenuity." The News-Gazette. July 21, 1939. p. 3
[2] "Soap box derby champion is Don Foote." The News-Gazette. July 23, 1939. p.1
[3] Kacich, Tom. "Where and what was Five Points?" The News-Gazette. August 31, 2003. p. B-3
-- Sherrie B., Archives Librarian