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Freedom Festival presents Soap Box Derby

soap box

Published May 31, 2023

DaLynna Wood | Multimedia Specialist

The Freedom Festival is excited to announce the first Classic Chevrolet Soapbox Derby Race on June 30. Participants from different age groups will showcase their creativity, engineering skills, and racing abilities in a thrilling competition.

The Soapbox Derby Race emphasizes gravity as the sole source of propulsion, with no motors or other power sources allowed. This ensures fair competition and encourages innovation.

There will be three categories: 8-12 years (standard build kit), 13-15 years (standard build kit), and 8+ Open Division (Custom Entries). Only one rider is allowed in the standard build kit categories, and an adult must accompany participants in the younger age groups.

Competitors will race down 3rd Street towards the Elmer Thomas Entry Arches. Safety is crucial, and participants are responsible for their well-being and that of their team. Head protection is mandatory, and adherence to the designated route is required.

All derby cars will undergo scrutiny before the race to ensure fairness and safety. The city staff will verify compliance with safety standards, and adjustments can be made if needed. Failure to meet the standards will result in disqualification.

Awards will be given to race winners in each category, the fastest car, the best-decorated car, and the best-turned-out car. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate their engineering skills and creativity in constructing their cars.

Derby cars should not exceed 3 feet in width, 6 feet in length, and 250 pounds in weight without the rider. They must be steerable by the person inside and have no sharp edges or parts that could cause harm.

During the race, overtaking maneuvers must be done safely, without endangering other participants. Cars must have a minimum of three wheels and a maximum of four.

Participants should check in at 5:30 p.m. on June 30 and be ready to race by 5:45 p.m.

Check out https://www.soapboxes.com/ to purchase a DIY soapbox kit.