Racer's Guide:
Timeline and Expections
Proper head protection.Every competitor deserves a fun and successful race day, and that often means having the support of a trusted pit crew. A pit crew may include a parent, guardian, sibling, friend, or teammate—or even a combination of them. Their role is to help the racer stay safe, stay organized, and enjoy the full derby experience.
For younger competitors, a designated Crew Chief is required. The Crew Chief must be a responsible adult member of the pit crew. With the right preparation and support, racers, pit crews, and spectators will all share in the excitement.
Be sure to get your Liability Waiver signed.The following rules and guidance apply to all competitors and their designated pit crew.
Definitions
Before Race Day
Now
- Begin designing and building your soapbox car in accordance with derby specifications.
- Teams are encouraged to choose a team name and identify their pit crew. Younger competitors must designate a Crew Chief.
- Spread the word and encourage others to build cars and join the fun.
Pre-Race Day
- All cars must pass inspection before race day.
- Inspections can be scheduled through the Race Committee Chair, Jason Hoyt (jason@hoytlink.com). Crew Chief designation and waiver signing will take place during inspection.
- Cars failing inspection will not be permitted to compete until deficiencies are corrected and reinspected.
Race Day: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Race Day Times: → Official Race Day Schedule ←
| Mandatory Racer Check-in: | 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM |
| Mandatory Racer Meeting: | 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM |
| Start of Competitive Class Races: | 10:00 AM |
| Approximate End of Racing: | Noon |
| Awards Ceremony: | ~12:15 PM |
| Open Class Races: | ~12:30 - 1:30 PM |
Check-In (9:00 AM - 9:45 AM)
Check-in opens 60 minutes before race time, so 9:00 AM. Showing up early keeps things running smoothly and gives everyone time to ask questions, make adjustments, and soak in the fun without feeling rushed. As we get closer to the dropping of the Green Flag, things naturally get busier. Arriving early gives racers of all ages, families, and volunteers a better chance to enjoy a smooth and relaxed race day. That's what we're aiming for!- Arrive early with your pit crew.
- Cars will receive a final inspection at check-in by the Pit Lane Inspectors.
- Cars that do not pass must be corrected and reinspected before 9:45 AM. No body adjustments will be permitted after racing begins, except for repairs to vehicles damaged during the race. Steering and braking can be adjusted after each race as needed.
Mandatory Racer's Meeting (9:45 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Competitor and Crew Chief required to attend.
Competitive Race Start (10:00 AM)
- Competitive Class race format will depend on the number of participants.
- Planned format: Round-robin style, with each racer competing against all others. The first across the line gets 2 point. The second across get 1 point. Any others, 0 points.
- The top four racers from each age group will advance to the final elimination rounds.
- The Race Committee reserves the right to modify the format.
During the Heats
Safety is our top priority at the Soapbox Derby. All racers and pit crews must follow the instructions of race officials at all times, with special attention to guidance from the Course Safety Marshals. These marshals are stationed along the track to monitor race conditions, respond to incidents, and ensure the well-being of all participants and spectators. Their directions are final and must be followed immediately to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.- Pre-Heat: Pit Crews are to assist competitors during the staging process, ensuring that the soapbox car is positioned correctly and that all safety equipment (such as helmets) is properly secured.
- Race:
- A quick safety inspection will be conducted at the starting line. Cars that do not meet requirements will be removed until corrected, then may rejoin the queue.
- Race.....
- The Checkered Flag Officials will declare a heat winner. Their decision is final.
- Post-Heat: After completing a race heat, Pit Crews should assist the driver in exiting the vehicle, and assist with removing the soapbox car from the finish line area. This allows for the smooth progression of the event.
- Next Heat: Pit Crews load and unload the car from the transport vehicle for its return to the starting line. The Transport Marshals will only transport the cars, no people. Once unloaded, the competitor returns to the staging area, or follows starting line officials’ instructions for their next run.
Presentation of Awards
- Awards ceremony (~12:15 PM) - Awards in the following categories:
- Senior Class - Race Winners, 1st , 2nd & 3rd.
- Junior Class - Race Winners, 1st , 2nd & 3rd
- Paint & Polish Award - People's Choice: Voted on by spectators.
Open Class Race (~12:30 - 1:30 PM)
- See Definitions for Open Class.
- Open Class will end promptly at 1:30 PM.
Post-Race
- All racers and pit crews are required to help with cleanup and in restoring the street and area.
- Take your car home—hopefully with a trophy in tow!
After Race Day
- Celebrate your accomplishment.
- Polish your trophy.
- Start planning next year’s car.
Legalese: Authority & Enforcement
Race Committee Authority
- The Race Committee has full authority to interpret, enforce, and amend these rules as necessary to ensure safety, fairness, and orderly conduct.
- All decisions of the Race Committee are final and not subject to appeal.
Compliance
- Competitors and pit crews must comply with these rules and with all directives issued by the Race Committee.
- Failure to comply may result in warnings, penalties, disqualification, or removal from the event.
Safety Enforcement
- The Race Committee may disqualify or remove any car or competitor deemed unsafe or noncompliant.
- Safety determinations are at the sole discretion of the Race Committee.
Event Integrity
- Unsportsmanlike conduct by competitors or pit crew will not be tolerated and may result in immediate disqualification.