The first thing you'll want to do is determine if you are eligible to compete in the Soap Box Derby®. Anyone between the ages of 7 and 20 years of age is eligible to compete.
Once you determine that you are eligible to race you'll want to select the division in which you will race.
What are the different racing divisions?
Stock Division
Stock Car Building Plans
Updated August 24, 2017 with a clarification on how to handle the taping of fraying cable – consistent across all three divisions
Excess steering cable may extend past second ¼” cable clamp and may be removed by cutting. To avoid cable fraying it is recommended that you tape the ends (electrical tape or similar). The tape can cover a maximum of 3/4” of the cable and can be taped to the other cable.
Clarification on weights – consistent across all three divisions
Weights must not:
Be suspended. No cushion (sponge, rubber, springs, etc.) or other material may be used between the weights or the weight and the floorboard.
Be cantilevered or bowed (must be flat).
How to build a Stock Car video
Purchase a Soap Box Derby Stock Car Kit
The Stock division is for racers 7-13 years old. Stock cars can accommodate a racer up to (approximately) 5'3" tall and 125 pounds. The car weighs approximately 70 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 200 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 200 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner provided weight. The Stock car, a lean-forward design, is sold as a kit which includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas racing wheels and weights. Because painting is not permitted on the Stock car shell, drivers have their choice of purchasing one of three colored shells (other specialty colors are added from time to time): red, blue or white. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Stock division car.
Super Stock Division
Super Stock Car Building Plans
Updated August, 2017 with a clarification on how to handle the taping of fraying cable – consistent across all three divisions
Excess steering cable may extend past second ¼” cable clamp and may be removed by cutting. To avoid cable fraying it is recommended that you tape the ends (electrical tape or similar). The tape can cover a maximum of 3/4” of the cable and can be taped to the other cable.
Clarification on weights – consistent across all three divisions
Weights must not:
Be suspended. No cushion (sponge, rubber, springs, etc.) or other material may be used between the weights or the weight and the floorboard.
Be cantilevered or bowed (must be flat).
Body filler products are permitted to fill in the seam
Tech Tip #2
Seam
2.7 The seam that is visible around the middle of the car can be covered with paint and primer products. Also, body filler products such as Bondo are permitted to fill in the seam.
How to build a Super Stock Car video
Purchase a Soap Box Derby Super Stock Car Kit
The Super Stock division is designed for racers 9-18 years old. Super Stock cars can accommodate a larger racer up to (approximately) 6'0" tall and 150 pounds. The car weighs approximately 73 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 240 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 240 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner provided weight. The Super Stock, a lean-forward designed car, is also sold as a kit which includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas racing wheels and weights. Drivers have their choice of purchasing one of three colored shells: red, blue or white. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Super Stock division car.
Masters Division
Masters Car Building Plans
Updated August, 2017
Masters Car Optional Rear Plate Mounting - Tubular Assembly Plans
Masters Car Optional Steering Handbrake Assembly Plans
Beginning with the 2019-2020 racing season (Aug. 1) epoxy will no longer be allowed to be used on the front and rear mounting plates.
Purchase a Soap Box Derby Masters Car Kit
The Masters division (also known as Scottie) is for racers 10-20 years old and is driven by the more experienced drivers. Masters cars can accommodate a child up to (approximately) 6'0" tall and 160 pounds. The car weighs approximately 88 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 255 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 255 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner provided weight. Because of the lay-down (enclosed) design of the Masters car, small drivers are also competitive in this division.
All kits and parts for Soap Box Derby racing must be purchased through the Soap Box Derby. Our on-line store has all the information you need to order racing kits and parts.
Once you purchase your Soap Box Derby Car Kit we suggest reading through the rulebook.
When you receive your Soap Box Derby Car Kit you will also receive a written set of build plans. The plans are a great resource that will give you step-by-step instructions on how to build a safe and competitive car.
If you have additional questions please contact us or the Soap Box Derby headquarters office.
