Racing greats such as Tom Sneva, Cale Yarborough, Denny Zimmerman, George Snider and Eldon Rasmussen started their journey to the Indianapolis 500 and Indy car racing behind the wheel of a Soap Box Derby racer. 

Now a new generation of future Indy car racers will have a chance to follow their tire tracks.

INDYCAR has formed a partnership with International Soap Box Derby, which will bring the excitement of Indy car racing to the thousands of young people who participate in Soap Box Derby events across the country.

"This is an opportunity for INDYCAR to connect with thousands of youth across the country as they follow their racing passion," said Jason Penix, director of grassroots initiatives for INDYCAR. "As INDYCAR looks to grow its fan base, we see this as a chance for young people to see our sport and learn about all the careers that are available in open-wheel racing."

International Soap Box Derby is the recognized governing body of Soap Box Derby racing and includes the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby and the Gravity Racing Challenge.

The partnership will create cross-promotion and marketing opportunities for both organizations. The Derby will become part of INDYCAR's grassroots initiative while INDYCAR drivers will be featured prominently in All-American Soap Box Derby promotions and marketing initiatives.

INDYCAR branding was featured on all participants' Soap Box Derby racers during this year's FirstEnergy All-America Soap Box Derby in July in Akron, Ohio.

"This relationship will bring together two of the country's great racing organizations," said International Soap Box Derby president and CEO Joe Mazur. "We host more than 600 races around the world annually and look forward to growing our brand through our relationship with INDYCAR."