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. Earl Hudson was the grand prize winner. 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.

As the Portland winner, Earl got to pick the Chevrolet he would travel in to the national competition in Akron, Ohio. He chose a Chevrolet Master coupe from Forest City Motor Company. The national champion that year was Harold Muench of St. Louis. Although Earl did not place in the top three, as a contestant, he was given a diploma and a souvenir wristwatch.

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.