STEP 1.
I am interested in soapbox derby racing so talk to your mom and / or dad and tell them how much you would like to be a soapbox derby racer. Remember SoapBox Derby racing is a family activity.  You will need them tobe your pit crew on race day!

STEP 2.
Once Mom / Dad have agreed to your request, have them get in touch with one of the members of the Greater Des Moines SoapBox Derby Association. Tell them of your Plans. They can provide you with suggestions and ideas.

STEP 3.
Fun Part 1, buy your car. It can be new from the All American SoapBox Derby people. There re also used cars available. The Greater Des Moines Soapbox Derby Association has a few, they are sometimes available on EBAY. If you buy a used car, be sure that you understand what it will take to comply with the latest rules.

STEP 4.
Fun Part 2, assemble your car. You the driver must be able to completely assemble the car in front of judges should you win and get to travel to Akron to race at Nationals.

RACE DAY!!!!
A Typical Race Day:
Race days are generally held on Saturdays and Sundays.  They start early, the track opens at 6:00 A.M. with registration until 8:00.  The time from 6:00 - 8:00 is your time to set up your pit and to make your final adjustments, tweaks, tuning and lubrications. There is a flurry of activity during this time as the track is Being cleaned, timing equipment is setup, scoring table is setup and organized.

At about 8:30 am a drivers meeting is held where the rules of  the day are explained. Now is he time for any questions.  Racing begins in a few minutes. Races are always double elimination, that is you have to be beaten in two heat races to be knocked out for the day.

Each heat race consists of two "phases". Each phase is a run down the hill against your opponent. The first phase will be in one lane and the second phase will be in the other lane.  The winner of a phase is determined by an automatic timer system at the finish line. The first car passes starting a timer, the second car stops the timer. The difference time is recorded for both phases. The winner of the heat is determined by the combination of the two difference times from the two phases. 

Wheel swaps are made at the start of each phase. Each time down the hill you will race with two of your wheels and two of your opponents wheels. For the second phase, you will exchange again. This eliminates the wheels from entering into who wins. The driver and the car are the big factor with the driver being the BIGGEST!!!

Racing will generally last to around 4:00 pm at which times The champions will be announced and trophies are awarded to often as many as 6 or seven places in each class.  It is a long fun day for the whole family.  Remember, Drivers get better with seat time so race race race..

Cars get better as you and your pit crews figure out the secret tweaks and tunings that make them run faster, so RACE, RACE RACE !!!!!