The All-American Soap Box Derby

About the Book

The All-American Soap Box Derby, the brainchild of Dayton newspaperman Myron Scott, began as a local race in that city in 1933. With some creative promotion, Scott turned it into a national competition the next year. By 1935 it had found a home in Akron. This move was solidified by the construction of Derby Downs. This unique facility, built in 1936, provided a much needed home. National sponsorship was provided by Chevrolet in cooperation with the Akron Beacon Journal and other newspapers across the nation. The All-American was flourishing due, in no small part, to the army of volunteers which enabled it to run smoothly.

About the Author

Although he is better known in the Akron area as a sports official, Ron Reed has published two books on a subject near and dear to his heart. The All-American Soap Box Derby has been a passion of his for over sixty years. His first literary effort Tallmadge Hill was published in 2013. It covered first three years of the derby, 1933-35. It was followed in 2014 by Derby Downs, which continued the story by relating the happenings of 1936 and 1937. Now Mr. Reed takes us on a journey through the late thirties and on to World War II. It was a glorious time in derby racing. You will feel the excitement as you read this account of just what took place.