History of Salem Soap Box Derby
A journey through decades of racing, champions, and community spirit in Salem, Oregon.

The Early Years – 1950s

Late 1950's, pre-race parade of all racers up to the top of the hill
Late 1950's, pre-race parade of all racers up to the top of the hill. At that time only boys 10 to 16 years of age were allowed to race.
1952- Salem's First Local Championship Race, Final heat
1952 - Salem's First Local Championship Race, Final heat: brothers Dan Adams in Lane 1 (left) vs Doug Adams in lane 2 (right).
Late 1950's, view of the track from top side
Late 1950's, view of the track from top side.
1959 Championship heat, Class A Champion Bob Cummins (center lane) defeats Class B Champion Robie Norton in Lane 1 (left)
1959 Championship heat, Class A Champion Bob Cummins (center lane) defeats Class B Champion Robie Norton in Lane 1 (left).
1952- Salem's First Local Champ Doug Adams with runner up Dan Adams
1952 - Salem's First Local Champ Doug Adams with runner up Dan Adams.
1952- Salem's First Champion, Doug Adams, on his Champ's Parade
1952 - Salem's First Champion, Doug Adams, on his Champ's Parade.
Race Day crowd at Finish Line, late 1950's
Race Day crowd at Finish Line, late 1950's. Flag Man is Doug Adams, Salem's 1st Champion.
1959- Salem's City Champs
1959 - Salem's City Champs, (left) Class B Champ Don Brimin and (Right) Class A and City Champ, Bob Cummins.
Vintage SSBD Shield
These images are from the Salem Soap Box Derby's historic archive which is maintained by former Champ, Race Director and Father of Salem Champs Trevor and Janelle, Steve Brandt, Voice of the Salem Soapbox Derby. We will be adding additional images as we make our way through the archive and welcome any stories or pictures you may wish to add.

The 1970s

Salem's 1976 Champ Tom Parent in Akron
Salem's 1976 Champ Tom Parent in Akron
Salem's 1977 Champ Robie Mossbrucker in newspaper article
Salem's 1977 Champ Robie Mossbrucker in newspaper article
Salem's Champ 1977, Mike Adelman in Akron at weigh in
Salem's Champ 1977, Mike Adelman in Akron at weigh in.
Darren Hart, Salem Local Champ and First World Champion from Salem, 1978
Darren Hart, Salem Local Champ and First World Champion from Salem, 1978
Newspaper article, 1979
David Heim, Salem Local Champ 1979
David Heim, Salem Local Champ 1979.
Salem's 1980 Champ Steve Adelman
Salem's 1980 Champ Steve Adelman.
Vintage SSBD Shield
...more to come...
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