Daybreak community embraces Soap Box Derby as vintage rite of Americana

On a recent Saturday in the South Jordan community of Daybreak, children of the smartphone era took a seat behind the wheel of American nostalgia launched by the kids of the “greatest generation” — the World War II era.

Yes, the Soap Box Derby that originated in 1930s Ohio has found traction in 2021 Utah.

“Soap Box Derbies are fairly nostalgic,” said Henri Johnson, recreation coordinator with LiveDAYBREAK, the community action group that organized the event. “We got together as a staff and were looking for ways that we can get youth off their electronic devices and engaging in something ‘hands-on.’”

And the community rolled with it.

“Lots of people mock the Daybreak community as being a ‘Mayberry’ from the ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ We will take that,” said Johnson.

The inaugural derby on April 24, which featured stock and freestyle categories, far exceeded expectations, drawing about 25 entries from throughout the state.

“People came to race in a bowl of ramen noodles and an old whiskey barrel,” noted Johnson. “We researched several derbies in the U.S. and took elements from the best.”

In the stock division, comprised mostly of vehicles made from Soap Box Derby kits, an entry piloted by Bella White captured first place, beating out 15 other entries. In the freestyle division, the entry titled Blue Streak and driven by Parker Boyer won first place.

“Next year,” Johnson said, “it will be bigger, better and more entertaining.”