Dakota Datebook: Derby Night at the ballpark

In 1933, newsman Myron Scott of Dayton, Ohio noticed a group of boys racing their homemade cars. It immediately caught his attention. He copyrighted the name "Soap Box Derby" and went looking for a company to sponsor a national program. Chevrolet agreed and the Soap Box Derby was born.

The event was a wild success. In 1936, a permanent track was built in Akron, Ohio. With the exception of a four-y...