Last updated December 22, 2019
In 1949 Bob built and raced a Soap Box Derby car. For those of you who don’t remember, the racers were hand built by boys under 16 out of standard materials. The only parts that were required to be purchased were the wheels and the axles. Current rules specify the weight of the car and participant, I seem to remember that only the maximum weight was specified. The builder was 
encouraged to participate in the construction of his car; but an adult was permitted to assist in the construction of the car if and when necessary. By the looks of some of the cars, I suspect that the assistance level was a lot more than guidance. Not Bob’s car! He designed and built the entire car in the cellar by himself. He worked for weeks, building the car, and then spinning the wheels for hours on end because he wanted to make sure everything was perfect. His car was not elegant, but it was his car.
The races were held in July on a main thoroughfare in North Park. The races were run in heats of four. The cars were lined up on a starting ramp, and had to start by gravity when the ramp gate was lowered. I think Bob won the first heat he was in, but did not come in first on the second. The article from the Sun Telegraph and my memories make up all the information I have on this. As far as I know, there are no photos of the car.