El Palmer, 989.464.5421.
(FORMS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DERBY)
download button on this page -- also available at the event
Lyons-Muir Island Fest 2016
Soap Box Derby - Rules
The size of the car is limited to a maximum of 4 ft. wide, 5ft. tall and 79” long (6 ft. 7 in. from nose to centerline of rear axle).. (Ramp size) It must be able to be picked up and moved by the 2 people (pit crew) of your choice. Entries must also have 3 or more wheels that contact the ground at all times. Cars can be made of any suitable material, but please use screws instead of nails.
1. No motors!
Each derby car must be gravity powered. No motors, engines or other sources of energy.
2. Steering is a must.
Simple pivot steering is the most basic and common steering system. Basically, the front axle is a solid piece that rotates about a single pivot in the center. This system is the most simple to construct and is quite adequate since you will not need a big turning radius. Four bar linkage is like the steering mechanism that you might find in your automobile. It is more complex and harder to construct and thus it is seldom recommended. Whatever method of steering you use it is most wise to limit it to the range of your car. The derby will be run on a straight course so that there will be little need for sharp turns. Please do not design your car to turn on a dime, it is not safe and may cause your car to flip.
3. STOP!
Skid pad on the wheels is a very basic, yet very effective braking method. In this method, you setup a pad or brake shoe that rubs against the wheels to stop the car. This is the most preferred method for cars made from scratch because of its effectiveness and simplicity. A skid pad on the ground is similar to the first option, but instead of the pad contacting the wheels, it contacts the ground. This method is a little more complex to construct and probably less effective than the pad on the wheels method. However, this is the method that was first used in soapbox racers. Caliper brakes on the wheels are like your basic bicycle brakes. This method works great although the construction needs to be fairly concise for the brakes to be effective. Anchor or parachute could be used – but, just for fun! Regardless of the braking system that you choose the most important thing is that the car must be able to stop. Good brakes will go a long way in preventing crashes.
4. Safety first.
Helmets are a must! Please do not alter helmets in any way that would change their effectiveness. Cars will not be allowed on the track unless the driver is wearing a helmet. Elbow pads are also strongly encouraged. All vehicles will be inspected for required equipment prior to being allowed on the track.
5. Entry form/permission slip required.
Be sure to pick up an entry form/permission slip before the race. All drivers under the age of 18 must have the permission slip signed by their parent/guardian to enter the derby.
Please note that permission slips must be signed in order to race.
Lyons-Muir Island Fest 2016
2nd Annual Soap Box Derby
Saturday, August 6
Registration: 10:00 am – 11:45 am
Race: 12:15 pm
Permission / Registration Form
Prior vehicle inspection required at Bridge St. & Elizabeth St., Lyons
Name of Participant: _________________________
Address: ____________________________ City/ Village: _______________
Phone: _____________________ E-mail Address: ________________________
Please list identifying information on your car (color, name or number).
___________________________________________________
Please check each box as you have reviewed the information:
⎕ I have read and understand the rules and regulations of the derby and agree to comply.
⎕ My car has been constructed as outlined (has working steering and brakes) and is considered to be eligible to drive.
⎕ I agree to conduct myself appropriately, demonstrating good sportsmanship and refraining from inappropriate conduct. I will not hold the Village of Lyons, its employees or event volunteers responsible should an accident or injury occur during my participation in the soapbox derby.
_____________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Participant Date
I give permission for my son or daughter to participate in the soapbox derby and will not hold Village of Lyons, its employees or event volunteers responsible should an accident or injury occur during my child’s participation.
_____________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date
Entry Fee: Non-perishable food item to R.A.V.E
Monetary donations to Christmas by the River
Questions? E-mail: events@lyonsmuir.com or call El at 989-464-5421
DATE AND TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
2015 photos
SATURDAY AUGUST 6, 2016
REGISTER: 10 am - 11:45 am
RACE: 12:15 PM
BRIDGE ST. & KING ST., LYONS
All cars are invited to our
All Wheel Cruise In,
5-10 pm, Thursday, Aug 4
and our Parade,
11 am, Saturday, Aug 6
Parade Entries:
Judy Darling, 989.855.3859