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MADISON, Wis., Jun 25, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The old U.S. tradition of soap box racing is being redefined by a recent influx of girls wanting to compete in the traditionally male event.
The Wisconsin State Journal report girls, who were not allowed to participate in derbies until 1972, have been entering more races recently and meeting with great success.
At Saturday's 11th annual Soap Box Derby in Madison, Wis., more than half of the children participating were girls with local 9-year-old Eleanore Shon winning the event.
"Girls are better drivers and better racers than boys," the Madison derby director Denis Vogel told the Journal, "We have more girl champions than boys."
Those involved in the soap box race theorized that girls have found success in the derby races since they are more flexible, less wind-resistant, and are able to follow directions better than boys.
Whatever the races' results may be, such events have risen in popularity and have been found to help children learn about physics and hard work, while also working alongside their parents.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
