SPRING RALLY - MAY 21st & 22nd

Racers get your cars ready for our Spring Rally, May 21st and 22nd.  The rally will be an All-American sanctioned race.   Drivers must be at least 8 years old on the day of the race (10 for Super Stock and Masters) and no older than 18.    

    Here are some important things for you to know concerning the race:

• Practice date is Friday, May 20th from 5:30pm to dusk.  New racers may also practice at our Open House/Rookie Race on Saturday, May 7th from 10am to 6pm.

• Plan to be at the track by 7:15 each morning

• Registration fees are $35 per driver per day and $25 for additional family members

• Bring a copy of your child's birth certificate if you haven't already given us one

What Happens on Race Day?

On race day, plan to be at the track by 7:15am.  You'll want to find a pit area for your car and get yourself set up for a full day of racing.  One of your pit crew should go directly to the registration table to fill out the registration form and the driver's history form.  (The announcer uses this form during the day to tell us all about you.)  Then you'll want to check your weight  (total and tail weight) at the scales.  The line at the scales usually starts forming at 7am!

After everyone has registered (usually around 8:30am), the drivers will be called by divisions to draw numbers for their race position and learn who they will be racing against.  Drivers will be given a car number to be placed on the left front of the nose of the car.  A driver's meeting will be held at about 8:45 by the starting ramps.  We will try to start the race by 9am.

When your car number is called, immediately take your car and get in line at the scales with your opponent.  After weighing, there will be a two-wheel swap. Then proceed to the starting line with your opponent.  The lowest numbered car always starts in Lane 1 on the first phase.  When your car is on the starting ramp, get in quickly and prepare to race.  (This is important to keep the race moving efficiently.)  The starter may ask you to lower your brake to test to see if it is working.  On the count of three, the cars will be released.

When the cars cross the finish line, a differential time will be recorded between the cars racing each other.  Both cars will be placed on a trailer for return to the topside.  Your car handler is responsible for unloading your car at topside.  Place your car on one of the platforms and exchange wheels with your opponent.  Then proceed again to the starting line for phase two of your race.  The lowest numbered car now goes in Lane 2.  After phase two of your race, the times of both phases will be tallied to determine the winner.  The losing car will be placed in the challengers bracket and have another chance to race.  It is possible for a driver in the challenger's bracket to come back and win the race.

If you lose two heats early, check with the scorekeepers to find out if you're eligible to race in the consolation race.  (Remember, a heat consists of two phases or trips down the hill!)  We will generally have consolation races for the Stock and Super Stock divisions, time permitting.  We want everyone to participate as much as possible!

Rain-outs:  Don't assume we aren't racing if it's raining early in the morning.  We will generally wait until noon to postpone or cancel a race.  A storm may delay the race, but we can generally resume a race within an hour or less after it stops raining.

Race Day Tips

          1. Place your car on blocks or stands, instead of parking it on the wheels to avoid developing flat spots.

          2. Check your wheels often to make sure the bearings are clean.  Clean and lubricate your spindles.

          3. Never lay your wheels on the ground since dirt will get into your wheel bearings and damage them. 

4. Pick up your car by lifting at the floorboard, not the axles.  Set the car down gently; don't jolt your pre-

    cisely aligned axles!

5. When placing your car in the ramp, make sure it is lined up in the direction you want it to go. 

6. Bring something to cover your car in case it rains.

7. Bring basic tools for tuning your car and changing brake pads.

8. Bring lighter fluid for lubricating the wheels.

9. Bring rags for wiping down the car.

          10. Bring hand wipes. (You’ll be glad you did.)

          11. Bring sunscreen.

          12. Be prepared for all kinds of weather.  It tends to be very windy at the track and there is no shade unless you

                bring a pop-up tent 

          13. Bring lawn chairs.

          14. Bring money for the concession stand. 

          15. If you need help, advice or tools, just ask.   Soap box derby families are the best.  We want to make your time

               at the race enjoyable. 

Pre-Race

Tune-up Tips

Just like in NASCAR, the pit crew needs to be tuning up your soap box derby car to top condition before the race.  Here's a checklist of some things you should be doing:

• Weights:  Bring your car and driver to the track on one of the practice dates and use the scales to check total weight and balance of the weight.  This can take a lot of time, so don't wait until the morning of the race to do it.  KC Soap Box Derby officials will be available to help you during practice times, but not on the morning of the race.

• Rear axle alignment and spindle alignment:  It's best to check this after you've completed your final practice run down the hill.  We will have alignment tools for you to borrow at practice times.

• Check steering cable tension and the aim of the steering wheel.

• Check the brake cable, cable clamps and brake mechanism for proper operation and tightness.

• Check and replace the brake pad if necessary.

• Check for axle "crossbind."  We can assist you with this during practice times.

• Check tightness of kingpins.  Many experts feel it is best for rear kingpins to be as tight as possible, while the front kingpins are looser.  We'll have special torque wrenches for you to use at the practices if you are interested.

REGIONAL RACING EVENTS

May 7 & 8 - Ogallala, NE (NDR)

May 14 & 15 - Des Moines, IA (AA)

May 21 & 22 - Kansas City, MO (AA)

May 28 & 29 - Omaha, NE (NDR)

June 18 - Kansas City All-American Local Race

June 25 & 26 - Des Moines, IA  (NDR)

July 2 & 3 - Kansas City, MO (NDR Shootout)

July 17 to 23 - Akron, OH All-American World Championship Race

July 24-30 - Akron, OH NDR Nationals

August 27 & 28 - Ogallala, NE (NDR)

September 3 & 4 - Des Moines, IA  (AA)

September 10 & 11 - Ogallala, NE (TBA)

September 17 & 18 - Sioux City, IA (NDR)

September 24 & 25 - Kansas City, MO (NDR)

October 1 & 2 - Omaha, NE Monster Rally (AA)

October 8 & 9 - Des Moines, IA (NDR)

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY

In our April 2010 issue it was reported that the All-American Soap Box Derby was in a financial crisis.  At that time the city of Akron was trying to ensure the future of the derby by helping to negotiate a low-interest bank loan.  As part of the agreement between the city and the All-American, the All-American was to re-organize its board by including members of the Akron business community.  In March the All-American announced that Joseph W. Mazur had been named president and chief executive officer.  Mazur, 45, has experience in venue management, specifically with the special events arena on the campus of Cleveland State University.  His expertise in marketing and sponsor development will be especially valuable.  The All-American has been without a national sponsor for several years.  Additionally, Bill Ginter, Akron businessman and civic leader, is replacing Bill Evans as chairman of the board.  Four other members of the business community have been appointed to the board.

SOAP BOX DERBY MOVIE TO DEBUT IN AKRON JULY 9-10

Actor Corbin Bernsen's movie, 25 Hill, is set to debut in Akron on the weekend of July 9-10.  Bernsen began the project after reading about the All-American Soap Box Derby's financial struggles in USA Today. Bernsen hated to see this grand American tradition fade away, so he began writing a screenplay for a movie to help revive the derby.  Click here to view the trailer.