Who We Are

Since its beginning over six decades ago, the Salem Soap Box Derby Association (SSBDA) has been dedicated to teaching kids the value of workmanship, perseverance, competition, tradition, and—most importantly—the spirit of sportsmanship. Our beautiful racetrack in Bush Pasture Park attracts racers from all over the West, creating lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

The Soap Box Derby offers a unique opportunity for close adult-child involvement as teams build, fine-tune, and race their cars. The bonds formed through this experience last a lifetime, both within families and among the wider derby community.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Salem Soap Box Derby Association is to educate and inspire youth through fair and honest competition and mentorship. Our primary goal is to advance core values of sportsmanship and family participation, providing an environment where parents and mentors work hands-on with youth to develop and apply life skills—emphasizing responsibility, competition, workmanship, leadership, achievement, and perseverance.

Serving Oregon and Pacific Northwest youth ages eight to eighteen, SSBDA embraces diversity, facilitates lifelong friendships, teaches the application of math and science concepts, and advocates the true spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Board of Directors

• Race Director: Jim Youngers – [email protected]
• Assistant Race Director: Robbie McClaran – [email protected]
• Treasurer: Dan Tucker
• Secretary: Val Grant
• Regional Director: Wes Foster – [email protected]

Members at Large

• Jeff Hodge
• Mark Wehrmeister
• Shandel Jump
• Wes Foster
• Dick Sadler
• Paul Sadler
• Jean Reinhart

Youth Representatives

• Maj Wehrmeister
• Cameron Reinhart

Our Organization

Salem Soap Box Derby Association (SSBDA) is a registered Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to SSBD are tax deductible. The Board of Directors meets monthly to discuss Association business. Board meetings are open to all General Members of SSBDA. For more information and scheduling, contact our Race Director.