In the beginning of the 20th century enthusiam for technological development is intense. The first car races take place in Europe. Inspired by the famous Gordon Bennett Automobil Racing Competitions, the young boys from Oberursel construct their first racing cars made of wood.
In July 1904 the local press reports:
“Grodon Bennett Racing Competition for youngsters awarding the most remarkable car and the fastest driver. Tickets are 20 “Pfenning”. One lady can come for free.”
Being one of the first official children´s soap box derbies of the world, it was widely favored by the spectators as well as the international press. From that time on, countless racing competitions took place in Oberursel and the regions nearby.
In the thirties the racing cars for children were popularly called soap box (Seifenkiste) in the US: a soap company had come up with a very special advertising idea. They printed the outline of a small car on the solid packaging of their product and at the same time provided the young car engineers with the materials needed for construction. Thus the first national Soapbox Derby was held in 1934 in Dayton/ Ohio, USA.
For further information about Soapbox Derbys visit the Vordertaunus Museum www.vortaunusmuseum.de
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Großes Spaß-Rennen
am 23.06.2007
9.00 - 16.00 Uhr, Adenauer Allee
Veranstalter:
Fokus O.
Tel 06171/ 631 881
www.fokus-o.de
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Soap Box Derby in Oberursel
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Soap Box
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