FirstEnergyAll-American Soap Box Derby Countdown

All Cars

Can we move the foot brace and brake pedal?
Yes. They both can be moved forward or backward within the allowable zone. Please refer to the Building Plans for the allowable zone.

Can a weight bolt location be moved?
No.

Can we switch the brake pedal to the other side?
Yes.

Are we allowed to lubricate the wheel bearings in the Z Glas® wheels?
No.

If a racer has already qualified for the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championship as a Rally Champ do they need to race in their local?
Yes.

What type of adhesive can we use to install the cockpit foam?
Any type of national brand from your local hardware store.

What type of shoes can a racer wear?
A participant must wear adequate foot protection with a sole while racing. Crocs are acceptable.

Can the elevator bolts be overtightened to the point where they are sucked into the floorboard?
Yes. But they cannot be covered.

Is turning the horseshoe weight in the opposite direction allowed?
Yes.

Can we epoxy weights to the floorboard?
No.

If a child is just a few days away from meeting the age requirement can they get a waiver to be able to race?
No. The child has to be the required age at the time of the race. There are no exceptions.

Can filler be used in and around the elevator bolts under the floorboard?
Yes. A water based wood filler is allowed but must NOT cover any hardware.

Can a stainless steel steering cable be used?
No.

Can we use paint flakes when we paint the car?
Yes.

Can we fill in the seam of a Super Stock car?
The seam that is visible around the middle of the car may only be covered with paint and primer products. No additional products that would be considered to stiffen the car are permitted. Body filler products such as Bondo are not permitted.

Can filler be used on the bottom of the floorboard to repair a dent/gauge?
Yes. You can leave the dents as they are or you can fill them with a wood filler to make it level.

After cutting the rear lip as per the rule, can the rear foam be reinstalled on the rear lip?
Yes.

Can the optional side foam pieces be cut?
The length of the optional side foam may be trimmed. The height and width of the optional side foam may not be cut or altered.

Can we order a smaller helmet to fit our child from another manufacturer?
No. Only AASBD issued helmets are allowed.  Extra padding is provided in the kit.

Can a helmet be painted or altered?
No.

Which floorboards are legal to use in sanctioned Soap Box Derby® races?
Only floorboards engraved with the Derby shield or burned with the SBD or SBD shield brands are acceptable. 

Can we sand the floorboard to remove sharp corners?
Yes. Light sanding is permitted to remove sharp edges.

Can tung oil and or wax be used on the floorboard prior to installing the hardware?
Yes.

Is there a limit to the number of coats of tung oil and or wax that may be applied to the floorboard?
No. However, no finish build-up thickness shall occur.

Is it permitted to use a thin plastic coat to apply to the tung oil and or wax and then remove such material?
No. Tung oil and wax are the only acceptable products that may be applied to the floorboard.

Can the tung oil and or wax be applied via brush or sprayed?
Either method is acceptable.

Can a car be raced under the weight limit?
Yes.

Can a hand brake be used in lieu of a foot brake to accommodate a tall driver?
Yes. However, the request must be put in writing to the Headquarters Office before installation.

Can the steering cables be double looped through the eyebolt?
Yes.

Can we use hardware (bolt, nuts, etc.) that we purchased from a hardware store?
No. Only parts issued by the AASBD are permitted.

Stock ONLY

Can we repair a cracked shell?
Yes. The shell may be repaired by gluing like material on the inside of shell to reinforce the damaged area. Generally we expect the driver & helper to cut a piece to make the repair. The material is limited to a maximum of 24 square inches. This is approximately 2” X 12”. No repairs are to be made to the nose of the car. All repairs must be above the floorboard.

Are we allowed to use Bondo to repair a car?
No.

Can we paint a Stock Car?
No.

What are the rules for applying vinyl stickers or wrapping a car?
The exterior surface of the car shell may be finished with solid sheets or decorative cutouts of self-adhesive vinyl material applied in a single layer on the exterior. Exceptions:
                1) If sheet adhesive vinyl material is used all All-American Soap Box Derby and sponsor decals
                   must be placed over the finished surface of the shell.
              2) The body of the car shall not be completely wrapped
              3) The bottom 2” of shell may not be covered.
              4) Top shell radius shall not be covered.
              5) Minimum separation of 2” required between side and top vinyl material.
              6) Top shell vinyl may not occur within 1” of cockpit opening.
              7) The total lengths of the car’s sides may not be completely covered
              8) The nose of the car may not be covered. The nose is defined as the part of the car that
                   comes in contact with the starting paddle (1-1/2" from the centerline with a total width of
                   3" in a horizontal and full height of the shell in the vertical direction).

Super Stock ONLY

Can we paint a Super Stock car?
Yes. Follow this link for tips on how to paint a Super Stock car.

What are the rules for applying vinyl stickers or wrapping a car?
The exterior surface of the car shell may be finished with solid sheets or decorative cutouts of self-adhesive vinyl material applied in a single layer on the exterior. Exceptions:
                1) If sheet adhesive vinyl material is used, all International Soap Box Derby, Inc. sponsor decals
                   must be placed over the finished surface of the shell.
               2) The nose of the car must not be covered. The nose is defined as the part of the car that
                    comes in contact with the starting paddle (1-½" from the centerline with a total width of 3" in
                      a horizontal and 8” of the shell in the vertical direction from bottom of shell).
               3) No wrap is permitted on the inside of car.
No signage, lettering and/or decoration may cover any screw attachments (washers and screws).

What is the rule regarding repairing a cracked Super Stock shell?
Yes. The shell may be repaired by gluing like material on the inside of shell to reinforce the damaged area. Generally we expect the driver &helper to cut a piece to make the repair. The material is limited to a maximum of 24 square inches. This is approximately 2” X 12”. No repairs are to be made to the nose of the car. All repairs must be above the floorboard.

Can Bondo be used to repair a shell?
No.

Masters Car ONLY

Can the hinge on the Masters Car be painted?
No.