ELIGIBILITY

Cars:

• Constructing your own racer is open to all ages.
• Loaner cars MIGHT be available for use in the Open Class.

Drivers:

• Driving a racer is open to ages 8 to 99, as long as they are able to steer and that all rules can be followed.
• Drivers under 16, must have a Crew Chief  that is an active member of their Pit Crew  .
• Ages 3 to 7+ may ride as a passenger, BUT...
  • ONLY in a car built as a double seater.
  • ONLY with parent/guardian or older sibling as the driver.
  • ALL car occupants must have their own seat and safety equipment.
• Must sign a waiver, or if under 18, have a parent/guardian sign the waiver, before racing down the hill.
• All rules apply to all drivers, and Pit Crew , whether in the Competitive  or Open Classes .

COMPETITION CATEGORIES & AWARDS

Racing Classes:

• Competitive Class – See Definitions for details.
  • Junior Class – Ages 8 to 15
  • Senior Class – Ages 16 and up
• Open Class – See Definitions. Not eligible for awards.

Awards:

• Competitive Class – Awards based on race results..
  • Junior Class – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
  • Senior Class – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
• Paint & Polish Award - People's Choice: Voted on by spectators.
• Open Class is not eligible for awards.

CAR SPECIFICATIONS

Construction:

Soapbox cars can be homemade of original design or from a kit. New and used soapbox cars of any age are welcome. Any use of materials is welcome but must be strong and secure, and no sharp protrusions. The car should be built to last the entire morning of racing without continuous breakdowns or repairs.

Wheels:

• Must have 4 wheels, or more.
• Wheels can be different sizes, but adjacent/parallel wheels must be the same diameter (e.g., rear wheels 7″ and front 6″).
• Minimum diameter: 6 inches.
• Maximum diameter: 12 inches.
• Maximum width: 6 inches.

Ground Clearance:

• Minimum: 3 inches.
• Maximum: 6 inches.
This range allows smooth clearances, maintains a lower center of gravity to reduce the risk of rollovers, and elevates the overall safety standards of the race.

Steering:

• Steering wheel, bars, or yoke designs allowed.
• Use of steering limiters strongly suggested.
• Rope steering and aviation joysticks are prohibited.
• Rear wheel steering is prohibited.

Enclosures and Hatches:

• Must be operable by the driver without assistance.
• No open-bottom cars allowed. A floorboard is required to prevent legs or feet from falling out.

Turnbuckles and Fasteners:

• Secure turnbuckles with safety wire, jam nuts, or equivalent methods.
• Fasteners must use lock washers, lock nuts, cotter pins, or other devices to prevent loosening.

Weight:

• Max Car Weight: 100 lbs. This is before the driver's weight is added.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Helmets:

• Helmets are mandatory. Helmets must come with a functional chin strap (e.g., bicycle, motocross, hockey) for everyone in the car.

Gloves, Suits, and Goggles:

• Optional, but must not impair the ability to drive safely.
• Long sleeves and pants recommended if the car does not have a protective body.

Shoes:

• Closed-toe shoes required.

Other:

• Proper brakes.
• Proper steering.
- These should not be afterthoughts. These are part of the car specifications, but I want to make a point. If your car can't effectively steer and brake (as determined by the Race Committee) you will not be allowed to compete.
• Must sign a waiver, or have a parent/guardian sign the waiver, before racing down the hill.

INSPECTION AND DISQUALIFICATION

To run cars down the track, all participants must complete parental/guardian and/or personal liability waivers. Inspections are required for any cars that will be used on the track to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.

We require you to have your car inspected before race day. Inspections can be coordinated through the Derby Committee Chair, Jason Hoyt (jason@hoytlink.com). This will help the event run smoothly and prevent any disappointment on race day. We would hate for your car to be disqualified at check-in for being out of compliance.

After inspection, any vehicles found to be out of compliance, may be repaired or modified. If your car's issues are not corrected before race day, the car will be disqualified. In such cases, if the team can find a different car to use on the day of the race, that is complying with all requirements, then drivers will have the option to use it for the race.

If you need to make any last-minute adjustments to the steering or brakes, please do so before proceeding to the starting line. If your car isn't ready when your its called to the starting line, you forfeit that heat.

Practice runs are permitted only until 20 minutes prior to the main event. Additional, you and your car must be checked in and with your wavier on file before taking practice runs.