A LIFETIME of LEARNING & FAMILY FUN through GRAVITY RACING

2026 Morganton Optimist Soap Box Derby®

Join Us for the Thrill of the Hill!

Spend quality time with your family while building cars and competing in races here in Morganton or around the country. Racers learn STEM concepts (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) while having fun making new friends. Soap Box Derby racing is a sport that educates and inspires youth through fair and honest competition.

OFFICIAL SOAP BOX DERBY® RACING DIVISIONS

STOCK

For racers ages 7-13 years old
Can accommodate a racer up to (approx.) 5’3″ tall and 125 lbs.
Lean-forward design
Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their car

SUPER STOCK

For racers ages 9-18 years old
Can accommodate a larger racer up to (approx.) 6′ tall and 160 lbs.
Lean-forward design
Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their car

MASTERS

For racers ages 10-20 years old
Usually driven by more experienced drivers
Can accommodate a racer up to (approx.) 6′ tall and 160 lbs.
Lay-down design
Assembly time varies upon skill level

Race day is May 9th, 2026 at the Burke County Fairgrounds.

All cars are sold as kits through the International Soap Box Derby. The kits include everything needed for racing with the exception of the Racing Wheels and Weights.

The Morganton Optimist Soap Box Derby does have a few club cars that can be leased for the Local Race.
Visit AASBD and click of the “Shop”tab.

Contact your Local Race Director for Information on build clinics, trial runs, volunteer opportunities, Rally racing, Local race day details and more!

Contact:

Marylin Waters 828-443-0407
Tommy Waters 828-443-4786
Johnny Puett 828-403-1817

Sign ups:
March 21st and 28th 9:00-11:00am at the fairgrounds. Can also sign up at April 4th & 9th workshops dates.

Workshop dates:
Saturday, April 4th 9:00-11:00am
Thursday, April 9th 5:00-7:00am
Saturday, April 18th 9:00-11:00am
Saturday, April 25th 9:00-11:00am

Final Inspections:
April 27th, 28, 29th, 30th and May 1st
5:00 -8:00pm

Race Day:
May 9th 8:00am
Rain Date:
May 16th 8:00am

To find official Soap Box Derby rules and more info on ISDB programs and to buy Soap Box Derby kits and parts, please visit AASBD.