On July 25, 1936, one hundred and twenty eight contestants competed in the Evening Express-Chevrolet Motor Company soap box derby on Park Avenue in Portland, Maine. Qualifying events for the national All American Soap Box Derby were held in 116 towns and cities across the country for boys between the ages of 9 and 15. Earl W. Hudson Jr. would go on to win the competition, and competed at the national level in Akron, Ohio. Many other prizes were given to winners in several categories, including; fastest time, best-looking car, best upholstery job, and the best breaking system. Five heat winners were given a 30 minute ride in the Gannett Publishing Company's speedy Stinson monoplane.