All American
Soap Box Derby
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A Day at
the Race
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Race Day begins
early in the morning as the pits
open and racers arrive at the track. Before
we get started everyone pitches in to set up
the track. During this time there is a
flurry of activity as the track is swept;
cones and barricades are placed; timing
equipment, scales, starting ramps, scoring
tables and the PA system are set-up. |
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(Picture of Pit Here
coming soon) |
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Drivers must register by
filling out the race entry form and paying
the entry fee at the registration table.
Once all drivers are registered the race
brackets, also called ladders, are
organized. This determines the competitors
in each beginning heat. Then it’s time for
last minute tuning and car prep.
Printable Form |
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(Picture of scale here
coming soon) |
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All cars are
weighed on official scales with the
driver on board. Each division has different
weight limits and restrictions on how much
weight can be placed in the rear of the car.
The scale master will help make sure each
car is weighed fairly. Once cars are weighed
in no further adjustments are permitted, so
make sure your car is ready to go.
The Race Director
then calls all drivers and car handlers to
the track for a Driver's Meeting, to go over
rules and safety. Now we're ready to race. |
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Our races
are double elimination
meaning you have to be beaten in two heat
races to be eliminated.
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| Each “heat” race
consists of two “phases” or trips
down the hill–once in each lane– against the
same opponent. “Wheel swaps” and “Lane
swaps” are made between phases of each heat.
The two cars exchange all four wheels being
careful that each wheel goes to the same
position on the other car. The two cars then
switch lanes from the first phase. This
eliminates the wheels and lane from being
factors in who wins and insures that the
driver and the car are the determining
factors—with the driver being the biggest.
One of the primary goals of soapbox derby
racing is to give each driver an equal
opportunity to win.
Racing continues with
the winner of each heat advancing in the
winner’s bracket and the loser moving to the
consolation bracket. But just because you
lose your first heat does mean you’re done.
Many times racers have advanced through the
consolation bracket all the way to the
finals.
In the finals heat the
racer who has advanced through the
consolation bracket with no second defeat
races against the driver who has gone
through the winner’s bracket with no
defeats. Should the consolation racer win
the first heat of the finals they go to a
sudden death heat, because remember, it’s a
double elimination race.
Racing continues until
winners in each division have been
determined. Then everyone pitches in to
break down the track equipment and load
everything back into the equipment trailer.
Once the work is done winners are announced
and trophies are awarded. Another day of
racing has come to an end leaving a lifetime
of memories for each participant. |
For specific start times
and dates
please refer to our
schedule of events.
Remember, drivers
gain skill with experience. More
time on the track means drivers get better
and learn how to tune their cars for maximum
speed. Our rally races are an excellent way
to get more racing experience and earn
points in the Rally Racing division. Learn
more about our
Rally schedule here.
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Local Champs
All-American Champs
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