The St. Albert Father's Day Soapbox Derby is an annual tradition in St Albert that brings together families for a fun filled day of traditional soapbox racing. It's an awesome way to create memories and bond with dad, and gives a healthy dose of competition for teams to look forward to. Hundreds of families love participating in this event every year. Read this handy guide to learn more about the event and how you can play a part in it this year.
What is the Soapbox Derby?
The St Albert Father's Day Soapbox Derby is a derby for fathers and their children to race "Go-Kit" cars. It will take place this year on June 17, 2014. By using all of the parts in the kit, teams start the race at an equal level playing field, which makes the race entertaining and fun for both spectators and participants.
Special Rules to Observe
In order to ensure a safe and fair competition there are several rules in place for teams to follow. The first of which is obviously using the "Go-Kit" to build the car. Non-"Go-Kit" cars can use the track during half time but can't enter the competition. Other rules include the use of four wheels during the race (all wheels must touch the ground) and the rule that gravity can be the only force driving the cars. In addition, all cars must use a circular steering wheel, and the cars can be no longer than 53 inches and no heavier than 250 lbs.
Recommended Safety Tips
Beyond the straight rules, there are also a few recommended safety tips to observe when building your car for the competition. For starters, use a piece of fir plywood for the chassis. Using a solid layer will make it easier to attach other pieces later on. Secondly, keep with the brake design in the kit. These are proven to be the most effective brakes. Finally, build a roll bar onto the car but make sure it's high enough to allow clearance for the driver's helmet! Many times people forget this step. Also, as a note, make sure that whatever you decorate the car with doesn't extend past the wheels. This will cause difficulty when coming out of the starting gate.
Registration Fee and Deadlines
Registration costs $35 and the kit costs $85. Registration is due by June 8, 2014. There are also two pre-race inspection days and you must attend one of them with your car. The inspections take place on June 13 and 14 from 6-8PM at Leo Nickerson School. The St Albert Father's Day Soapbox Derby is a fun day for both dads and kids. It encourages dads to work together with their children to build an awesome car and provides a platform for team building and friendly competition. Consider making it a part of your Father's Day celebrations this year.Â
Posted by Sarah MacDonald on
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