Chasing the Hill: Henry’s Soap Box Derby Journey

Sometimes one small moment can turn into something big. For Henry, age 12, it started with a test run in Soap Box Derby. He gave it a try, had a lot of fun, and decided right away he wanted to keep going.

“I did the test run and it was really fun,” Henry said. “I decided to do it.”

More Than Just Racing

Henry loves racing down the hill, but that’s not the only thing he enjoys. “Having fun. Playing with friends between races. Going down the hill,” he said when asked about his favorite part.

Between races, kids laugh, play, and cheer each other on. Henry’s family says they’ve also met many new people from all over the country. They’ve made friends with other families who come to race, which makes the experience even more special.

Learning New Skills

When Henry first started, he mostly cared about riding in the car. Now, he’s doing much more.

“He’s become more involved in helping with his car,” his parent shared. “He helps lift it on and off the trailer and is learning how it works.”

Henry says the same thing in his own way: “I’ve learned how to work on my car.”

By helping with his car, Henry is learning to be responsible and gaining confidence. He is proud to be part of the whole process, not just the race.

Big Goals Ahead

Henry has a big goal. He wants to race in the All-American Soap Box Derby. This is a special race held every July in Akron, Ohio.

To get there, racers have to work hard. They can win a local race or earn points by racing often and doing well. Henry is working toward earning enough points to qualify.

“He has a goal that he is working toward, and we love seeing that,” his parent said.

Henry’s goal is simple and strong: “Getting into All-American and winning.” The Hous Foundation is happy to support Henry's goal.

More Than a Sport

Soap Box Derby is about more than racing. It helps kids learn new skills, make friends, and set goals.

For Henry, it’s about having fun, working hard, and chasing his dreams—one ride down the hill at a time.

Learn more about Soap Box Derby

Written for us by Henry's Mom, Melanie.

Soapbox derby racing is gravity powered racing.  The racer sits inside of a car made with a wooden floorboard, plastic or fiberglass shell, a steering mechanism, and a brake pedal. 

There are three different levels of car, and the child's age and weight determine which car to use.  Henry races in the stock division, and we have to add enough weight to the car that it, plus Henry, equals 200 pounds exactly. 

The car is placed against a starting paddle on a hill, and two cars are sent down the hill at a time.  They race twice, and the one with the better overall time advances to the next round in a bracket format until there is a winner.  The cars are going approximately 25-35 mph and the races often come down to thousandths of a second difference of when the two cross the finish line. 

The cars are put onto a special trailer used at race tracks to take the cars from the bottom of the hill to the top, and each car has to be team-lifted on and off the trailer.