Looking for a fun, hands-on activity that helps your kids develop confidence, engineering skills, and leadership? Soap Box Derby might be just the thing — and it’s been creating fast memories for nearly a century.
🧰 What Is Soap Box Derby?
Soap Box Derby is a nonprofit youth racing organization founded in 1934, with the mission of fostering education and leadership through gravity-powered racing. Kids design, build, and race cars down a hill — no engines, just momentum, creativity, and science.
More than just a sport, it’s a learning experience that introduces kids to physics, aerodynamics, and design principles, all while building confidence and teamwork.
🏁 Meet Roanoke’s Star City Soap Box Derby
Roanoke has a rich history with Soap Box Derby, dating all the way back to 1936. After a short pause in the early 2000s, the local chapter — Star City Soap Box Derby— has been back in action at Walrond Park since 2011.
At the heart of the organization is Brianna Waldron, a third-generation racer who started competing at age 8. Her grandfather and his brothers raced in the '50s and '60s, followed by her dad. After aging out, Briana stepped into a leadership role and now helps other kids experience the same joy and learning she grew up with.
Star City’s track record (pun intended!) includes:
- One Stock World Championship
- One Rally Super Stock World Championship
- Multiple Top 9 finishes at the World Championship
- Two local racers awarded the President’s Youth Volunteer Service Award in the past six years
📅 Upcoming Events at Walrond Park
Curious? The best way to learn more is to attend an Open Hill event where new families can watch or try out a loaner car with no commitment required. An Open Hill Event is required to participate in the local championship race. Registration is required!!
🛞 Next Open Hill Event
📍 Walrond Park, Roanoke
📅 May 17
💵 Free | Loaner cars available | Spectators welcome
If you can’t make it on May 17 but are interested in competing in the local championship race, contact organizer Brianna Waldron — she’s happy to arrange an alternate weekend open hill session before the June 8 deadline.
🏆 Local Championship Race
📍 Walrond Park
📅 June 21
💵 $50 entry fee – includes registration, t-shirt, goody bag, and lunch
🎟️ Winners qualify to race at the World Championship in Akron, Ohio this July!
🚀 Get Involved
Soap Box Derby is open to kids in two divisions in Roanoke:
- Stock Division: Ages 7–12
- Super Stock Division: Ages 9–18
The best way to get started is by participating in the local championship race like the one coming up in June. From there, families can choose to get more involved through rally races, held from September to May. These races allow participants to earn points toward qualifying for the World Championship at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
⏱️ Flexible Commitment: One of the great things about Soap Box Derby is that you control your level of involvement. Whether you're all-in on every race or just want to participate locally, the sport can easily fit into your family's schedule and other commitments.
Don’t have a car? No problem. Loaner cars are available and families can work with the organization to learn how to find sponsorships to help offset costs as starter kits can run about $1,000 and the organization doesn't want that to stop you from being able to be involved.. Along the way, kids will learn about car setup, safe construction, weight distribution, and more — all aligned with national specs at soapboxderby.org.
👨👩👧👦 Why Join?
With around 30 active local racers and a welcoming community, the Star City Soap Box Derby team is excited to grow the program and welcome more families. Whether you want to race, volunteer, or just watch the fun, there’s a place for you.
Follow along and reach out:
📲 Star City Soap Box Derby on Facebook
Brianna Waldron, Roanoke@soapboxderby.org, 540-759-0423
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fast-paced, skill-building, and memory-making tradition. See you on the hill!
