1941 Soap Box Derby partipants - Peter Ricci, Kelsey Young, Clyde Johnson (City Recreation Director), Bob Redfield, Fred Robertson and Tommy Lowerison. The derby was inspired by neighborhood boys racing homemade cars on a Dayton street in 1933. The All-American Soap Box Derby was officially formed the following year. The 1941 San Diego derby was sponsored by the Southeastern Exchange Club. Stanley Miller conducted the event assisted by WPA (Work Projects Administration) recreation directors.