• A “Safety Board” of adult volunteers will determine that entries meet safety concerns (i.e., no loose pieces, solid construction, etc). All decisions are final.

  • Only kid drivers (we suggest at least 7 years old, but not older than 17). No adult drivers, sorry.

  • Similar to AYSO and other volunteer programs, Soap Box Derby uses a no-tolerance rule in how volunteers are treated by others.

  • Protective headgear (bicycle, motorcycle type helmet) MUST be worn by ALL drivers. Absolutely NO exceptions.

  • All cars must have brakes

  • No open toe shoes

  • Drivers must fit into the vehicle and be able to operate steering and brakes.

  • Cars must start by gravity from a standstill. No pushing allowed. No drive mechanisms. No engines, rockets, or other propulsion

  • You may add weights to cars (although in our testing it appears to make little difference). If you do use weights, all weights beside the driver must be permanently secured to the car. Carrying weights in pockets/clothing is prohibited for safety reasons.

  • No Go-Cart, bed frames, wheel chairs, skateboards, etc. All cars must meet the original intent of the derby, and use the steering, wheels and basic design of the kit selected. The “safety board” will rule on any questionable entries. Ask in advance if you have questions.

  • Derby committee will assign ID’s to cars for tracking.

  • Drivers must wear drivers sticker on front of shirt. These are given out at driver check in time.

  • Cars should be based on the “Derby Go-Kit” design, preferably maximum of 6′ long and 3′ wide. Oversize cars may have to run alone or in separate class if they won’t fit on the track. No rocket shaped, or other tubular/cylindrical design cars. Safety committee decisions are final.

  • When replacing worn out wheels, the only wheels acceptable are OEM wheels from the “Derby Go-Kit” vendor, or standard plastic lawnmower wheels available at hardware stores; 6″ front wheels and 7″ back wheels.

  • Drivers must be ready and available to race at check-in time provided. Races will not be delayed for missing or late-to-the-starting-gate drivers. Have additional drivers from your club available to race your club’s car so that there aren’t any delays. Damaged cars will have a limited time to get repaired. Late arriving cars may get bumped or not allowed to race.

  • Each lane will be timed by the finish line judging when the front of the car crosses the finish line. The results will be written down by one of the race masters.

  • Cars are not racing against each other, but against time. Times will be compared across all heats. Race master decisions are final. In the event of a tie, either a coin flip or tie breaker heat will be used at the Race Masters’ discretion.

  • We will do our best to accommodate people, and to estimate race times. UNDERSTAND, however, we must do one race every 2 minutes to stay on schedule and this will be a challenge. Your assistance/understanding is appreciated.