Jenkins Racing first became interested in Soapbox Derby racing in 1995 when a Chevorlet
dealership here in Minneapolis announced it was sporsoring a local All-American race in Fridley
Minnesota. It had been 20 years since the last race was run in the Twin Cities area. We purchased
a Stock car kit, put it together and headed for the races.
Andrew Jenkins, at 9 years of age proceded to win the event that July 7th day in 1995 without
ever running the car down a test hill prior to the race. This win qualified him for a trip to Akron Ohio
later that summer for the All-American Soapbox Derby Race. Although he did not win in Akron, it
was an experience he will never forget.
In 1996 the graphics on the car were changed and Jenkins Racing did the NDR Rally racing
scene in Des Moines Iowa and Omaha Nebraska. Andrew did well racing in 1996 & 1997, winning
first place twice in Iowa and placing in the top five in Nebraska. In 1997 Andrew attended the NDR
Nationals in Indianapolis Indiana, qualified and finished in 14th place at this National event.
1999 will be his last year racing Soapbox Derby as he will start racing Go-Karts for the Jenkins
Racing Team. He will try for the NDR Championship in 1999 at the NDR Nationals before leaving
Soapbox Derby racing.
In the fall of 1996 Jenkins Racing added a second driver to it's Soapbox stable. Cody Jenkins
was 7 years old when he was able to race at an NDR rally in Des Monies Iowa. We found out that
if Cody would turn 8 years old during the NDR race season, he was eligible to race at this
event. After locating a car to rent from the local racers in Iowa, Jenkins Racing worked on the car
until late that night to set it up for Cody to race the next day. He did not win the race, but did win
a few rounds and drove the car very well.
The following year Jenkins Racing was able to find a unused car at the Merit Chevrolet
dealership in White Bear Lake Minnesota. Bruce Rinkle, the owner of the dealership has let us use
the car for Cody to race ever since. We had to fix many things on the car and also had some graphics
added to it. Cody was able to attend the 1997 NDR Nationals in Indianapolis Indiana, but did not
qualifiy. Cody has done well with a few top five finishes in Iowa and a first place win in Nebraska.
In 1998 Cody raced in Hibbing Minnesota in his first All-American local race, but did not win. He
will race Hibbing again in 1999 to try for another shot at the big All-American race in Akron Ohio.
Other races for 1999 include an NDR rally race in Des Moines and the NDR Nationals in Omaha
Nebraska.