A Race by Act of Congress
And no, I’m not talking about the Presidential race, but the 70th annual running of the Washington, DC Soap Box Derby Race.
In 1938, Norman Rocca beat 223 other racers to win the first Soap Box Derby Race held in Washington, DC. The race was held on New Hampshire Avenue, but later moved to run down Capitol Hill, along the Capitol Building on Constitution Avenue. 
The Soap Box Derby is open to racers aged 8 to 17, who custom build and race non-motorized, gravity powered cars. Regional winners move on to the annual classic race in Akron in late July.
Every year, the race requires the permission of Congress to block off the course so, by Act of Congress, the race is one of the only races sanctioned by Congress.
Soap Box Derby
Constitution Avenue at the Capitol between 1st and Louisiana Ave.
Washington, DC (map it)
Date and Time – Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tickets – FREE - no tickets required for spectators.
Nearest Metro subway station - Federal Center - Blue and Orange lines, Archives - Yellow and Green lines, Union Station - Red line
Parking – Limited street parking is available.
Images - racers with capitol in background, Atlanta race, yellow car, racers side by side
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POSTED IN: Events, Family Fun, Freebies - Free or No Cost, Special Events, Sports & Recreation
1 opinion for A Race by Act of Congress
Marilyn Terrell
Jun 17, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Thanks, Jon, for the date and time. I always miss this!
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