PRINT5 things: About the Soap Box Derby
June 7, 2012 | 10:34 p.m. CST
Mentors and mechanics
For an estimated 50 years, the mid-Missouri Soap Box Derby has taken over the streets of downtown Columbia. The Downtown Optimist Club sponsors the event every year, contributing tools and guidance to kids building their cars. During work clinics leading up to race day, the facility is jam-packed with families working on their cars – cleaning Plexiglas car bodies, oiling up wheels, lining up wheel axels and drilling in screws. Any child with a question can turn to professional mechanics who actively provide tips on how to use certain tools and ensure all cars follow required guidelines. Rick McKernan, Public Relations Director of the derby, says they are teaching the kids “secret lessons” about math and physics while they construct their cars.
If you can’t stand the heat, stay off the track
Racers compete in three different divisions: stock, super stock and masters. Each division comes with its own set of rules including age limitations, weight requirements and car size and construction.
Stock
Age: 7 to 14, entry-level division
Weight: combined weight of racer and car must not exceed 200 pounds
Super Stock
Age: 10 to 18, advanced division
Weight: combined weight of racer and car must not exceed 240 pounds
Masters
Age: 10 to 18, advanced division
Weight: combined weight of racer and car must not exceed 255 pounds
No room for error
The 1000-ft. downhill race takes place on Broadway. The winning time for the race comes down to a thousandth of a second, all determined by the physics of the construction of the car. The slightest miscalculation can slow them down. Kids building their cars ensure that all axels and wheels are aligned perfectly.
From the soap box to the fast lane
Carl Edwards, professional NASCAR driver, competed in the mid-Missouri Soap Box Derby in the early ‘90s. After graduating from MU, he made a career of the sport and has since won more than 37 Nationwide Series titles.
We are the champions, my friend
All racers receive a participation trophy. The winners of each division in Columbia will travel to Akron, Ohio to compete nationally in the 75th Annual All-American Soap Box Derby on July 21.
