Why is it called the "Soap Box" Derby?

Question

Were the cars ever made from soap boxes? Was a soap company an early sponser?

Answer 1

Yes, the cars were indeed made of wooden soapboxes. The wheels were often from baby carriages. The first ones were steered by ropes tied to the axles or simply by placing the feet on the axles and pushing on the the one you needed to go in the correct direction.  They are derived from what kids could scrounge together in the 1920's on.  Many cities in the US used to host races, but many now have dropped the events.

Answer 2

Originally, yes, kids would take empty soap crates that were destined for the trash, put wheels on them and race them.

Usually down hill.

http://www.old-picture.com/american-hist...

http://tv.cream.org/images2/cffwater.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_box_ca...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_Box_De...