About Wilbur Shaw Derby Hill
The Wilbur Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill, located at 30th Street and Cold Springs Road, is the longest Soap Box Derby Track in the country, measuring 1000 feet. It was built in 1953 to replace the original track at 71st and Meridian. A laser timer, digital weighing system, new scorer’s bridge and pit area are recent updates. The track was recently recognized by USA Today as one of the top Soap Box Derby facilities in the country.
All Soap Box Derby racing in Indianapolis is sanctioned by either the All-American Soap Box Derby or National Derby Rallies. All races are conducted within the framework of the rules of these two organizations. The Indianapolis Soap Box Derby Association organizes and officiates all derby racing on the Indianapolis hill. Racing is open to those from 8 through 20 years of age in National Derby Rallies racing and from 9 through 16 in All-American racing.
Did You Know
- The Indianapolis Soap Box Derby Hill was built in 1953, and has hosted a local All-American race every year since that time. Today’s Soap Box Derby consists of three divisions: Stock Car, Super Stock Car, and Masters (which is the modern equivalent of the original home built derby car).
- In the 1970s Soap Box Derby began to change in its format, when a second division known as a Kit Car was added to the traditionally home built and home designed cars of previous years. In 1992 another kit type of car known as a Stock Car was added, and in 1995 a kit type of car called a Super Stock Car replaced the Kit Car Division.
- In the fall, usually September, additional rally races are held, and races will be held in October as often as the weather permits.
- Indianapolis also has special races known as Challenger Races for special needs children. These racers participate in special dual control cars with co-drivers to assist.
