Applications must be submitted through the website by 11:59pm on 04/17/2025 Each application must include complete contact information, liability waivers signed by each participant. Additionally, each team is required to provide one volunteer to assist with event activities, including course setup. Application fee of $100 is due with your application. All team members will also need to provide an emergency contact and phone number.

At least one representative from your crew must attend the pre-race meeting, which will be scheduled during mid April (date to be determined). This meeting will cover final rules, address participant questions, and confirm details such as starting blocks and event timing. Failure to have a representative present may lead to disqualification.

The event team reserves the right to refuse any entrants as well as disqualify any teams without a refund.

We have updated the course, including more maneuvering between lanes and a large right hand turn at the bottom of the hill.

Soap box derby races involve gravity-powered cars, so safety is paramount. Here's a set of safety requirements for participants and their soap box derby cars:

Driver Safety Gear:

Helmet: A properly fitting helmet meeting safety standards (e.g., ASTM, CPSC) must be worn at all times during practice runs and races. Please do not alter helmets in any way that would change their effectiveness. Cars will not be permitted on the track unless all riders are wearing a D.O.T. certified helmet.
Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield are recommended to protect against debris.
Clothing: Drivers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes for added protection.
Additional Gear: Elbow and knee pads are strongly encouraged.

Soap Box Derby Car Construction:

General: Your soap box derby car must adhere to the definition of a car. Other forms of transportation such as skateboards, street luges, bicycles, and similar devices are not permitted.
Materials: Cars must be constructed from lightweight, sturdy materials such as wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. If using wood, we recommend using screws rather than nails and plenty of wood glue!
Design: Cars should have a low center of gravity, stable wheelbase, and streamlined shape to minimize the risk of tipping over. All cars must have 4 wheels and be gravity powered (no motors or engines). Cars may not exceed 10ft nose to tail, 3ft side to side and 5ft from ground to highest point.
Steering and Brakes: Cars must be equipped with a reliable steering mechanism and brakes that can be easily operated by the driver. Additional steering and brake requirements are at the end of this document.
Wheels: The wheels of your soap box derby car must have a diameter of more than 4 inches and no more than 12 inches. Additionally, they must feature a rubber or gripper outer surface to ensure forward rolling motion down the hill, as opposed to slipping or sliding backward.
Towing: Your soap box derby vehicle must be equipped with a large eyebolt on both the front and rear bumpers. These eyebolts are essential for ease of towing and positioning at the starting gate, ensuring smooth operation of the race.
Weight Limit: Cars should not exceed a specified weight limit including operators (600lbs) to prevent excessive speed and potential accidents.

Safety Inspections:

Pre-Race Inspection: Each car must undergo a thorough inspection before the race to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Technical Requirements: Inspections will check for proper construction, secure fastenings, steering and braking functionality, and overall stability.

Race Course Safety:

Barriers and Boundaries: The race course will be set up with clearly marked boundaries and barriers to prevent cars from veering off course.
Track Surface: The track surface should be smooth, free of debris, and without any hazardous obstacles. Volunteers from your team will check the track before and after races to ensure safety of participants.
Emergency Response: Emergency medical personnel will be on standby during races to provide immediate assistance if needed.

Driver Conduct:

General: Each car is allowed 2 operators (all drivers must be 18 or older)
No Alterations: Drivers are prohibited from making any last-minute alterations to their cars just before or during the race.
Obey Instructions: Drivers must adhere to instructions given by race officials and maintain proper conduct on and off the track.

Race Rules and Regulations:

Fair Play: Participants must abide by all race rules and regulations to ensure fair competition and safety for all drivers. Your soap box derby car must not leave any debris or projectiles behind during its run. It is prohibited to throw or launch items from your car, including any devices such as smoke screens or water cannons reminiscent of 'James Bond' gadgets. In summary, the track should remain unchanged before and after your run, with the exception of the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Penalties: Violations of safety rules or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification from the race without refund.

Post-Race Procedures:

Safety Checks: After each race, cars should undergo post-race safety checks to identify any damage or issues that need attention before the next race.

Parental Supervision:

Supervision: Younger participants should have parental or guardian supervision throughout the event to ensure their safety and well-being.
Youth teams: Encouraged but must have adult operators and volunteers.

Training and Education:

Driver Training: Drivers should be properly trained and practiced on how to operate their soap box derby cars safely and effectively.
Safety Education: Participants and parents should research and educate themselves on soap box derby safety guidelines and best practices.

Insurance and Liability:

Insurance Coverage: All participants and drivers should have appropriate insurance coverage to protect against potential accidents and liabilities.

These safety requirements are designed to ensure the well-being of participants and spectators during soap box derby events. Organizers continuously review and update these requirements to address any emerging safety concerns.

Additional safety requirements and recommendations:

Steering Mechanism:

Simple Pivot Steering: This is the most basic and common steering system used in soap box derby cars. It consists of a solid front axle that rotates about a single pivot in the center. Simple pivot steering is easy to construct but may not provide the maneuverability for our curvy course. Pivot steering tends to be require more physical input from the driver and can lead to complications with breaking while turning. Pivot steering is permitted but we strongly suggest a more substantial system
Four Bar Linkage: This steering mechanism resembles the steering system found in automobiles. It utilizes a four-bar linkage, which is more complex and challenging to construct compared to simple pivot steering. Although it is more complicated, it is our suggestion to use this method.
Steering Range: Regardless of the steering mechanism used, it's important not to limit the steering range of the car to the turning radius of the vehicle. Our soap box derby is on a complex course with need for fairly sharp turns. Therefore, it's advised to maintain a reasonable steering range that ensures safe navigation without unnecessary risk.

Braking Systems:

Skid Pad on Wheels: This method involves setting up a pad or brake shoe that makes contact with the wheels to stop the car. It is a straightforward and highly effective braking method, especially for cars constructed from scratch. The simplicity and effectiveness of this method make it the most preferred option among soap box derby participants.
Skid Pad on Ground: Similar to the first option, this method also utilizes a skid pad, but instead of contacting the wheels, it makes contact with the ground to slow down the car. While this method is a bit more complex to construct compared to the skid pad on wheels, it is less effective in stopping the car. However, it is worth noting that this method was historically used in soapbox racers.
Caliper Brakes on Wheels: This braking system resembles basic bicycle brakes, utilizing calipers that clamp onto the wheels to slow down or stop the car. While effective, precise construction is necessary for optimal brake performance.

Brake Effectiveness:

Regardless of the braking system chosen, it is crucial that the car is equipped with brakes capable of effectively stopping it. Well-designed and properly functioning brakes are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of participants and spectators during the soap box derby races. This is a quick course with multiple turns ending with a large fast turn…it is absolutely necessary for a strong braking system.