How to Make a Soap Box Aerodynamic
While most soap box racing experts feel that winning is mostly in the hands of the driver, aerodynamics do play an important role. By following a few important steps, you will be able to reduce wind resistance and give your soap box racer the competitive edge it needs to be a derby winner.
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Things You'll Need
- Foam
- Soap box racer with aerodynamic shell
- Electrical tape
- Hex bolt wrenches
Instructions
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1
Choose a shell design that is optimized for aerodynamics. Generally, shells should be smooth, without edges, and should taper to a point in the back. They should also be free of any unnecessary trim or decor.
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2
Make sure that the shell of the racer fits flush with the floorboard. If the shell drops down beneath the floorboard, air resistance will be created underneath the soap box racer and will cause it to slow down. Similarly, if there is a gap between the shell and the floorboard, air will gather inside the cockpit and create the same amount of drag.
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3
Adjust all of the hex bolts on the exterior of the car so that the flat parts do not face forward. By placing the edges of the bolts toward the oncoming winds, you will be able to make small improvements in aerodynamics.
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4
Position the wheel pins so that they fit over the top of the spindles, as opposed to under or over them.
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5
Install foam inside the cockpit around the racer. This will prevent wind from rushing into the cockpit and creating air resistance. Plus, the foam will be light enough so that it won't introduce too much additional weight to the soap box racer.
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6
Use electrical tape to properly fasten the helmet straps to the driver's helmet. Loose flaps may create additional wind resistance and may even serve to distract the driver.
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Align the driver's body inside the car so that it is as aerodynamic as possible. This includes arching the back so that the head is closer to the feet, tucking limbs deep inside the cockpit and adjusting the helmet at an angle that does not create excessive wind resistance.
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Tips & Warnings
While racing, avoid making unnecessary steering adjustments, keep the soap box racer moving in as straight a line as possible. This will keep your racer relatively free from wind resistance and make it much more aerodynamic.
