Gravity makes the soap box derby possible. This American tradition usually features speed races for kids. But in Portland, Oregon, the Portland Adult Soap Box Derby focuses on creativity and fun.
The event recently celebrated its 27th annual run.
A Long History of Gravity-Powered Races
Gravity-driven cars have been around for a long time. Early versions were sometimes called "pushmobile" races. Charlie Chaplin even appeared in Kid Auto Races in Venice in 1914.
The soap box derby became a national event in the 1930s. A national race started in Ohio, which still hosts the Soap Box Derby World Championships. The races also appeared in many mid-century TV shows like Dennis the Menace and Bewitched.
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Start Your News DetoxClassic soap box cars are sleek and designed for speed. Over time, they became more technical, using materials like fiberglass and titanium to go even faster. However, other derby events began to focus on different things.
Racing a Dragon Down a Volcano
The Portland derby is more about joy and pageantry than speed. It's a mix of a race, an art show, and a block party.
This year, 42 cars gathered in Mt. Tabor Park. While some cars aimed for speed, most were built for creativity. Cars included a giant sloth head, a Zamboni, a replica of the Flintstones car, and a car shaped like Oregon's famous exploded dead whale.
The derby has a few rules about helmets, safety training, and brakes. Otherwise, it's a free-for-all. Cars are made from wood, metal, and plastic. Some are covered in fake fur or mirror tiles.
John Nurse built a dragon car using hula hoops, spray foam, and a 1979 Honda Odyssey ATV chassis. His 10-year-old daughter drew the design.
Nurse explained, "My kid drew a picture, and then it was up to me to figure out how to build it." He added, "How many times do you get to race a dragon down a volcano?" Mt. Tabor is an extinct volcano.
A Community Celebration
Thousands of Portlanders came to watch and cheer. They brought chairs, set up blankets, and watched the creative cars race down the hill. Organizers say the crowds grow every year.
Brittany England, who created the Rocky Roadster ice cream truck, said, "It's always so much fun. There's so many people, the vibes are great, the energy's awesome."
David Paulsen, president of the Portland Adult Soap Box Derby, calls it a party Portland throws for itself. Paulsen fell in love with the event after attending his first derby in 1997. He described the cars as "booger-welded garbage cars racing down a mountain."
He said, "I saw it, and I knew that they were my kindred spirits."
The derby is a nonprofit and run entirely by volunteers. They handle everything from clearing brush to cleaning up after the event.
Even though the cars are unique, they can reach impressive speeds. All contestants sign a waiver because there is an element of danger. Michael Orczyk, who raced in a Conestoga wagon, noted that the "zaniness, and the slight threat of danger" is part of the appeal. The fire department is also on hand, with its own little red soap box derby car.
