How to Race a Soap Box Derby Car

Racing is a sport for all ages as children aged 8 to 17 demonstrate each year. Using small motorless cars, thousands of kids around the world participate in soap box derbies. "Soap box" comes from early race days when people built cars from wooden soap boxes. Gravity powers soap box derby cars, but you can help gravity along by following these steps to race a soap box derby car.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap box derby car
• Helmet
• Goggles
• Safety pads

1. Locate local soap box derby races by checking the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) website for a nearby race location. Races include three divisions based on age, experience and size. Start with the Stock division if you're new to soap box racing. Advanced divisions include Super Stock and Masters.

2. Maximize weight, if needed. Soap box races limit the combined weight of rider and derby car depending on the division. Yet you want to get as close to that weight limit as possible, because weight gives you an edge against wind resistance. Use heavier materials for your car if you anticipate being light in weight.

3. Suit up. Drivers must wear helmet, goggles and pads for races.

4. Hold onto the wheel just enough to keep your wheels aimed straight ahead, but not so hard that your hands cramp. You want to be able to maintain control of the car so that if you hit a bump, it doesn't throw you off course.

5. Reduce friction. Remember, gravity is what moves you from the top of the hill to across the finish line. Aerodynamic cars with rounded edges that lie low to the ground keep friction to a minimum and provide enough speed to finish the race.

6. Lie down. Yes, that's right. Experienced drivers prefer reclining as much as possible while still seeing over the wheel. Again, it's wind resistance. If most of your body lies remains inside the car, you should have less wind resistance. Other racers sit low, but curve their bodies into a C-shape.

7. Watch the weather. Wet tracks and gusty winds challenge the best of drivers—in any type of car.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarize yourself with soap box racing rules. Download a rule book from the website. The AASBD message board is a good place to go to ask questions.
• Participate in the All-American Soap Box Derby if you've earned at least 180 points during the racing season. Points are awarded at the many sanctioned rally races held throughout the year. This world championship race is held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.