How Does a Soap Box Derby Car Work?
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Car Divisions and General Information
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There are three different car divisions in the Soap Box Derby. They are the Stock, Super Stock and Masters divisions. These divisions are broken down into age and weight requirements. Each division has its own design of car with plans on exactly how to build it. To race in the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, you must purchase your car kit through the association, and you can not deviate from the plans. The cars are weighed, checked and even X-rayed to make sure they are built to regulations. Soap Box Derby cars have no engines. They are powered only by gravity while going down a slope.
Stock Car Division
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The Stock car can weigh up to 200 lbs. including the driver. If the combination of car and driver are under 200 lbs. the driver can add weight to the car. The design of the car is a sit-up design and is driven in a lean forward position. Drivers for this division are between 8 and 13 years old and the cars can hold a driver up to 5 feet, 3 inches tall. The cars are made of wood, with some metal hardware. The shells on the official cars are made of a plastic type material that can be decorated. The steering and brake systems are cable systems controlled by the driver. Adults can give direction while the child is building the car, but may only physically help when absolutely necessary.
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The Super Stock Car Division
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There is not much difference between the Stock and Super Stock cars. The difference here come with the driver. The age of these drivers are 10 to 17. The car and driver combined can not weigh more 230 lbs. and the driver can be up to 6 feet tall. Besides the car being longer to accommodate a taller driver, they are basically the same as the Stock car. They are assembled the same and are also sit-up, lean forward designs.
The Scottie Masters Division Car
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This division is also for drivers between the ages of 10 to 17, however these drivers are more experienced. The car's design changes from a lean forward to a lay down position. These cars can hold drivers up to 6 feet tall, but because of the lay down design, shorter drivers do well also. Car and driver can not weigh over 255 lbs., and for the smaller drivers, weight can be added to make the car competitive under certain guidelines. There are very specific measurements for the dimensions and wheel bases of these cars. There is more flexibility to constructing these cars, making them more individualized, but they are still strictly regulated as how you make your alterations. This is done to keep the race fair to all racers.
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