Most Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spin my wheels?

Wheels may be spun between heats but not between phases. If you have raced down the hill against another racer and now have changed wheels and are waiting to race down again against the same racer you CAN NOT spin your wheels. If you are in the pit area waiting for your heat, if you want you may spin your wheels.

Can I oil or sand my axles on race day?

NO. There can be no oiling or sanding of ac les at anytime after the car has been registered on Friday before the race. Nothing can be further done to your axles such as aligning, sanding or oiling. The only exception to this would be a safety issue and this adjustment would be done under the supervision and/or by the soap box derby committee.

Can I oil my wheels?

NO. Drivers may at sometime during the racing end up with a set of wheels that have oil on them. This is most likely a set of wheels that the original driver used to rally race where they are sometimes oiled between heats. As all wheels are swapped between phases both you and your opponent will have to run with these wheels. We will not substitute another set of wheels in for those. You shouldn't oil your wheels before the race as it has not proven to be advantageous.

Can I wear a different shirt?

No. You must wear your race t-shirt. If you wish to wear something under it you may, but the outer garment must be your race t-shirt.

Can I wear shorts?

No. The All-American rule book states that all racers must wear trousers of at least half calf-length. This ruling can not be waived by the local authorities.

What is acceptable footwear?

Shoes with a formed sole are permissable. Hospital footies are not acceptable footwear. Taped socks are not acceptable footwear.

Can I use welded weights?

No pieced weights using welds. Any intent to "chain" weights which may stiffen the floorboard in any way is prohibited. Welding of any part whether included in the kit or added is prohibited.

Can I paint the wheel fairings?

Yes, but not the axle.

Can I paint letters on my stock car?

No. No painting of any kind on stock division cars is allowed. Only super stock and masters allows painting. Colored shells are now available for the stock division cars and may be ordered from Akron.

Can I use lead weights or steel weights?

Yes. They must be painted. All weights must be painted no matter what they are made of. All individual weights in the car must be labeled with the exact wight of each individual piece. This number must be painted or written on with a permanent type marker.

Can I file my stock or super stock shell to make it flush with the bottom of the floor board?

No. If the shell is not flush with the bottom of the floor board you will need to reset your shell. Be sure your shell is not below the level of the floor board at all. Cards have a minimum girth measurement specified in the plans. Filing or trimming the body of the car will reduce the girth possibly resulting in disqualification.

Do I have to use foam padding?

Yes. You must have at least the front piece of foam for stock and super stock.

Can I mold my foam by cutting?

Checking with Akron

Can I modify the airfoils on my super stock car?

No. You may not trim the airfoil in any method that would affect the aerodynamics. You may sand them (to smooth - not to modify) and paint them. If the airfoils rub on the wheels you may trim the wheel end of the foils to the extent that it eliminates the run.

If my kit came without some parts, or I am making a legal modification, can I buy parts from the hardware store, or do I have to order from Akron?

It is permissible to use 'equivalent' parts. The parts lists in the plans are pretty good. The Mid-Coast Maine Soap Box Derby has parts on hand and specifications for puchase at your local hardware store for most of the spare parts.