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Soap Box Derby
Soapbox Derby Rules
Sauk Centre Lions Club & Rotary Club of Sauk Centre
Revised May 2024- Gotta GO
- POWER | Each Soapbox Derby Cart must be gravity-powered. No motors or engines.
- MATERIALS | There is no limitation on size, weight, materials, or designs. When using wood, it is suggested that you use screws rather than nails and be sure to use plenty of wood glue.
- Gotta TURN
- PIVOT STEERING | Simple pivot steering is the most basic and common steering system. Basically, the front axle is a solid piece that rotates about a big turning radius.
- LINKAGE STEERING | The four-bar linkage is like a steering mechanism in an automobile. However, it is more complex and harder to construct, so it is seldom recommended.
- STEERING RANGE | Whatever steering method you use, limiting it to your cart’s range isn’t wise. The derby will be run on a straight course, so there’s little need for sharp turns. Please don’t design your cart to turn on a dime, it’s not safe and may cause your cart to flip.
- Gotta STOP
- WHEEL SKID PAD BRAKES | A skid pad on the wheels is a basic yet effective braking method. In this method, you set up a pad or brake shoe that rubs against the wheels to stop the cart. Because of its effectiveness and simplicity, this is the most preferred method for carts made from scratch.
- GROUND SKID PAD BRAKES | A skid pad on the ground is like the first option, but instead of a pad contacting the wheels, it contacts the ground. This method is a little more complex and probably less effective than the pad-on-the-wheels method. However, this method was first used in early soapbox carts.
- CALIPER BRAKES | Caliper brakes on the wheels are like your basic bicycle brakes. This method works great, although the construction needs to be concise for the brakes to be effective. Regardless of the braking system that you choose, the most important thing is that the cart must be able to stop. Good brakes will go a long way in preventing crashes.
- Gotta TOW
- HOOK | A place to hook on is required to return the cart to the top of the hill. A 4-wheeler will tow the cart.
- Gotta BE SAFE
- HELMET | Helmets are a must! Please do not alter helmets in any way that would change their effectiveness. Carts will not be allowed on the track unless the driver wears a helmet. Elbow pads are also strongly encouraged.
- PERMISSION | Pick up an entry form/permission slip before the race. All drivers under 18 must have their parents sign the permission slip to enter the derby. Entry forms must be turned in to James Macey by July 17, 2024, to qualify for preregistration. Permission slips and waivers must be signed to race.
- ID | It's not required; it's just preferred. Please have either the last name or a number on the back of the cart. It makes it much easier to identify from the top of the hill.
Images
Soap Box DerbyDate and Time
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDTSunday, July 17th
Check in starts at 11amLocation
* Starting Location is intersection of North 3rd Street and Ash Street North
* Finish Line is Birch Street NorthFees/Admission
AGE GROUPS: 5-8 YRS, 9-11 YRS, 12-15 YRS, 16 & Up
Fee of $20.00 for pre-registration / $25 day of event
Make checks payable to: Sauk Centre Lions Club | Memo: Soap Box Derby
Website
Contact Information
Questions? Call: James Macey @ (763) 280-0614
- Gotta GO