Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 20, 1971.
V-M Viewpoint
Soap Box Derby Nearing
Women’s liberation has prompted invasions and attempted invasions and attempted invasions into male activities where females heretofore feared to tread. Comes now “gal’s lib” to threaten male domination of the Soap Box Derby.
Officials of the All-American Soap Box Derby at Akron, O., have decreed that girls can qualify for the world’s gravity car championship by competing in local classics, which have been heretofore confined to boys ー aged 11 through 15.
In fact, sponsors of the Fort Wayne derby this year have already okayed entries of three sisters, whose brother was 1970 winner of the event. A. Mason Bell, All-American Derby general manager, waived the “boys only” rule after the president of a women’s lib group threatened to take the national sponsor. General Motors to court if girls were refused entry.
Actions in favor of participation of girls in local and national derbies remains the responsibility of the respective sponsored.
Soap Box Derby racing cannot be classed in the “dangerous” category. But, neither can it be said to be without chances of injury.
All hills are not the same, but where races are run on hills conforming to national derby specifications, it takes strong wrists and equally strong nerves to control a gravity driven car within set lanes at 40 to 45 miles per hour.
And, it takes split-second thinking and timing to apply the brakes after crossing the finish line without causing the car to swerve and crash. There have been some of these “accidents” in the Valparaiso classic over the years, and there’s usually three or more annually in the national event. Nothing serious, but the drivers involved are not always free of injury.
Then there would appear to be another factor: Do the girls have the engineering ability to plan and build a car according to specs? This could cause problems.
Up until the present time the sponsors of the local race ー The Vidette-Messenger, Jaycees, Valparaiso Park District and Paul Dolembo Chevrolet and Cadillac, Inc. ー have received no request for entry by girls.
However, the success of any sports promotion is always based upon response and enthusiasm. Two years ago a peak of 68 entrants was reached. Last year this dropped to 60.
If the decline continues, there would be a possibility that the impetus needed to retain the derby franchise in Valparaiso would result in the waiver of the “all-boy” rule here.
A goal of 100 registered entrants with cars has been set by the sponsors for the 1971 inaugural run down a new hill being completed at Harold Rogers Lakewood Park north of the city.
Meanwhile, sponsors are planning to have girls competing among themselves in a “Powder Puff Derby” on July 5. They don’t have to build their own cars, but may use any of the many fine racers now gathering dust in garages or in basements. But, before these gals are allowed down the hill, the cars will undergo the same rigorous inspection given racers made by the boys.
As for the boys, they are urged to sign their registrations, to build a car and to be at the city’s brand new hill and ready to race on July 5.
