Raceway Gives

Youth Racing Programs

The Motorsports Track to Success — five programs that take St. Louis youth from their first build to competitive racing, developing skills, confidence, and character at every step.

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Five Programs. One Clear Path.

The Motorsports Track to Success

A progression of racing opportunities for youth of all ages and
motorsports experience. Collaborations that take programs
to a new level through one-on-one experiences:

01

Pinewood Derby

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (under 15), and area youth groups ages 9–15.

02

Soap Box Derby

Ages 9–18 (Super Stock) and 7–13 (Stock). Downhill racing presented by Raceway Gives.

03

Robot Rumble

Student robotics competition. Teams from Illinois and Missouri build and battle robots.

04

Junior 500

Competitive karting series for licensed drivers or permit holders ages 15+.

05

Ignite Series

Ages 16+. Advanced competitive karting with full scholarship.

01

Pinewood Derby

The Starting Line

In cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, Raceway Gives conducts Pinewood Derby event for: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and all area youth groups. Students design, build, and race gravity-powered cars. No experience needed. The 2026 Pinewood Derby was held in conjunction the inaugural Scout Jamboree.

  • Open to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (under 15), and area youth groups ages 9–15
  • Participation growing: 100 students (2023) to 250 (2026)
  • Selected member in attendance receives sponsored entry into the St Louis Soap Box Derby.

Participation from scouts
along with parents

2026: 250

2023: 100

2024: 150

2025: 200

Partner: Greater St. Louis Area Scouting Council  ·  April 25, 2026 at WWTR

Event Details

02

Soap Box Derby

The Next Gear

Students build and pilot unpowered, unassisted race cars down a sanctioned downhill course. The St. Louis Soap Box Derby presented by Raceway Gives is real competition — putting young builders behind the wheel for the first time.

  • Winner eligible for the All-American Soap Box Derby championship in Akron, Ohio
  • Stock division: ages 7–13  ·  Super Stock: ages 9–18
  • Inspection: May 30, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM  ·  Derby Day: May 31, 8:00 AM

Presented by Raceway Gives  ·  Partner: St. Louis Jaycees  ·  May 31, 2026

03

Robot Rumble

The Robotics Challenge

Presented by Raceway Gives in partnership with SLRA (St. Louis Student Robotics Association). Student robotics teams from Illinois and Missouri build, program, and battle robots for the championship.

  • Robot teams from Illinois and Missouri compete in building, programming, and battling
  • Participation growing: 150 students (2023) to 225 (2026)
  • 2026 championship: August 30 — presented by Raceway Gives & SLRA

Ages 15–18  ·  Championship: Aug 30, 2026  ·  Presented by Raceway Gives & SLRA

04

Junior 500

The Proving Ground

The premier youth karting series in the St. Louis region. Licensed drivers or permit holders ages 15+ compete across four qualifying rounds, culminating in the Championship Shootout. Spec chassis and engine packages mean talent wins races — not budget.

  • Four qualifying rounds at Gateway KartPlex — Championship Shootout on September 20
  • Top 14 drivers advance to Shootout — fastest 7 laps reach the Finals
  • Champion earns a full scholarship to compete in the 2027 Ignite Series

Ages 15+  ·  Licensed drivers or permit holders  ·  Qualifying: Aug 18, 20, 27 & Sept 3, 2026  ·  Championship: Sept 20, 2026

Learn About Junior 500

05

Ignite Series

The Championship Level

The advanced competitive karting program for drivers who have earned their spot through the Junior 500. Spec chassis and engine packages put every competitor on equal footing — the best driver wins, every time.

  • Fully prepared Ignite K3 race kart with Margay Factory Team technical support
  • All entry fees for 11 races, plus maintenance allowance and repairs
  • Practice time and coaching at Gateway KartPlex — for Junior 500 qualifiers only
Register for Programs

250+

Students in 2026

40

Junior 500 Drivers

$7,000

Ignite Scholarship

5

Programs for All Ages

Get on the Track

Ready to Race?

Register your student for a program, sponsor a young racer, or make a donation to fuel the next generation of motorsports talent from St. Louis.

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