History of the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association
The Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby came into existence in 1986. We are the local sanctioning body for All American Soap Box Derby, which is located in Akron Ohio. Each year, since 1934 All American Soap Box Derby has hosted the World Championship Soap Box Derby race.
In 1986 Mark Packard, Kenny Cline, Jack Engelke, and Tom Tyma created the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association. The first race was held in Bolingbrook, where they raced for several years. The GCSBD changed location throughout the years racing in Downers Grove, Addison, Naperville, Summit, Elgin, and Batavia. Naperville is where all of the outdoor race are held at now. Indoor race locations vary throughout the years.
Past Race Directors include Mark Packard, Jack Engelke, Jim Butler, Larry Winters, Don Harkins, Tom August and current Race Director Stan Iglehart
General rally info
Since 1985 the All-American Soap Box Derby has sanctioned rally racing. Since its inception the All-American rally program has grown into a very popular racing format. Rally racing affords families the opportunity to gain driving experience: to test ideas and concepts; to meet new people; to try new racing tracks; and most importantly, to have fun. In 1991, as a result of the rising popularity of rally racing, the Rally Commission was created to monitor the entire All-American rally program. Participants in the Rally program will earn points by competing in All-American licensed rallies throughout the United States. Participants will also have the opportunity to go to Akron as a Rally Champion to compete for the National title.
Chicago rally race info
Chicago outdoor rally races are held in May, Sept. and Oct. and indoor rally races in the winter months of the new year. Rally’s are 2 day races that are held on a weekend. Rally’s are open to anyone who has an approved All-American Soap Box Derby car. Rallys are a great way to gain valuable driving experience to prepare you for the Local race. Racers who compete in any AA rally race will receive rally points. In order to compete in our rally races all you need to do is show up on race day and be ready to race with an official AASBD car. Registration opens at 7:30am on race day, sometimes preregistration is required. Racing generally starts around 9am and last until about 3 or 4 pm. Concessions are sometimes available at the track and a portable potty is available. All Chicago racers need to plan on helping with mandatory track set-up, track tear down and race day operations.