September 26 | Ford Wilson Race of Champions
A free soap box derby experience for children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities, pairing each participant with a professional race car driver for a ride down the 1,000-foot Wilbur Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill. Families and guests are welcome to attend and cheer on participants.
Event Details
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: Participant check-in at 8:30 a.m.; Green Flag at 9 a.m.; lunch provided at 11 a.m.
Where: Wilbur Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill, 2010 W. 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222
Ages: Children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities
Cost: Free
Format: In person
Registration: Required for participants; not required for guests
Event Details: View event information and registration
About This Event
The Ford Wilson Race of Champions is an annual soap box derby created to give children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the excitement of racing. The event was founded in 1998 by Ford Wilson and has been operated by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 2024.
Each participant is paired with a professional race car driver and rides down the 1,000-foot Wilbur Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill in a specially constructed two-seater soap box derby car.
The event is designed as a free, safe, and fun community experience for racers, families, and attendees. In addition to the derby itself, guests can enjoy crafts, games, and a prize wheel.
Accessibility Highlights
Features Families May Appreciate:
Specifically designed for children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities
Free participation
Specially constructed two-seater soap box derby cars
Each participant is paired with a professional race car driver
Families and guests are welcome to attend
No registration required for spectators
Crafts, games, and a prize wheel are available
Lunch is provided for participants
Community-focused event centered around participation and celebration
Helpful Planning Tips:
Register ahead of time if your child or adult family member wants to participate.
Review the participant check-in time of 8:30 a.m. and plan to arrive with enough time for check-in.
Consider talking through the racing experience ahead of time if your participant benefits from knowing what to expect.
The event includes multiple activities beyond the race, so consider what parts of the experience your family may want to participate in.
Guests do not need to register, so family members and supporters can attend and cheer on their champion.
Who Might Enjoy This Event?
This event may be a good fit for:
Children with developmental disabilities
Adults with developmental disabilities
People with cognitive disabilities
People with physical disabilities
Kids and adults who enjoy cars and racing
People who enjoy trying new experiences
Families looking for inclusive community activities
Families looking for a free recreational event
Racing fans and families who want to cheer on participants
What Families May Want to Know
Before you go:
Participation is free.
Participants must register to race.
Guests and spectators do not need to register.
Each participant races with a professional race car driver in a specially constructed two-seater car.
The main event takes place at the Wilbur Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill.
Participant check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with the Green Flag at 9 a.m.
Lunch is provided at 11 a.m.
Crafts, games, and a prize wheel are also planned.
The event is open to children and adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
Why Families May Appreciate It
Finding recreational experiences that genuinely include people with disabilities can sometimes take extra planning. The Ford Wilson Race of Champions offers something a little different: participants aren't simply watching a race. They're getting the chance to be part of it.
The event is also free for participants, and families and friends are invited to come cheer them on. The combination of racing, games, crafts, and community connection gives families several ways to participate in the day.
Plan Your Visit
☐ Register if your child or adult family member wants to participate
☐ Review the participant information before attending
☐ Plan to arrive for the 8:30 a.m. check-in
☐ Talk through the racing experience ahead of time if helpful
☐ Consider what activities your family may want to explore
☐ Bring family members and friends who would enjoy cheering on participants
☐ Plan to stay for lunch and additional activities if they work for your family
What’s on Your Calendar?
Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?
