Build Introduction

Now it's easy to build a real Soap Box Derby Racer. Here, in this chart, are just seven easy steps in the construction of a fast, safe, streamlined car. It's a championship-class car, it has actually been built, and what's more, it has been tested on Derby Downs, in Arkon. Of course it conforms in every way to the new rules. Made of easy to find materials, experts say that it is one of the best cars they have ever seen.

Here is how you can get the most from this chart:
Read it all, step by step, very thoroughly before you even touch a tool. Read the official rules, too. Then, plan your own car. Think it through, make rough sketches of what you plan to do, checking each step with the official rules and with this guide. You might want to build your car exactly like this one, or you might think of ways to make it better, changing it completely or altering all but one or two parts; that's the beauty of this guide, you can follow it step by step or just use the parts that you particularly like. Thats the beauty of this guide- you can follow it step by step, or you can use just those parts you particularly like. For instance, you may like the steering and brake systems but have a design all of your own for the body. Well, that's easy. There is no reason why you can't adapt this safe, sure brake system to any kind of a floorboard and body style that you decide to build. Or maybe you've thought of a better brake system, but like the rest of the design. You will probably have little trouble fitting your idea into the general plan. It's the same for the whole design - with just a little bit of figuring you can change any part of it to suit yourself. The one thing to remember is to check every change with the official rules.

If you do follow this design right to the letter, there is still lots of room to use your own inventiveness. The weight of the car (within the rules) is up to the materials you build it out of and the paint job you put on; the upholstery (there are good prizes for this!) you fit it with; and above all, the care, the thought and the skill you employ in doing your best.

Read everything that the Soap Box Derby editor of your sponsoring newspaper writes about the derby. Besides telling you how and when to enter the contest, he'll give you lots of valuable ideas on car construction, answer questions that may have been bothering you and your fellow builders, and tell you about any special events of interest to Soap Box Derby car builders.