Below you will learn about the 3 different divisions of soap box derby cars. The stock and superstock cars are fairly easy to construct, approximately 4 – 6 hours, the masters car takes considerably longer to build, 50 hours or more. Not sure where to start, make sure you attend a race and or talk to the race director before purchasing a new or used car. You can also show up at any race, check things out, have your child over the age of 7 take a test run down the hill. From there we can discuss borrowing a car to help you get started.Text or call 630-841-8832 or email us greaterchicago@soapboxderby.org
Getting Started
Want to become a Champion? First, determine if you are eligible to compete in the Soap Box Derby®. Anyone between the ages of 7 and 20 years of age is eligible to compete.
Next, you will select your race division, purchase your car kit and parts from the Soap Box Derby online store, and finally – get ready to compete in an official Soap Box Derby race!
Soap Box Derby Racing Divisions
Stock Division
The Stock division is for racers 7-13 years old. Stock cars can accommodate a racer up to (approximately) 5’3″ tall and 125 pounds.
Additional Details (click to expand)
The car weighs approximately 70 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 200 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 200 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner-provided weight. The Stock car, a lean-forward design, is sold as a kit that includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas racing wheels and weights. Because painting is not permitted on the Stock car shell, drivers have the choice of decaling or using a vinyl wrap on their white shell. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Stock division car.
Important Details & Car Kit Purchase
Stock Car Build Plans | Video: How to Build a Stock Car | Purchase Stock Car Kit
Super Stock Division
The Super Stock division is designed for racers 9-18 years old. Super Stock cars can accommodate a larger racer up to (approximately) 6’0″ tall and 150 pounds.
Additional Details (click to expand)
The car weighs approximately 73 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 240 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 240 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner-provided weight. The Super Stock, a lean-forward designed car, is also sold as a kit that includes everything needed for racing with the exception of Z-Glas racing wheels and weights. Builders should allow 4-6 hours to assemble their Super Stock division car.
Important Details & Car Kit Purchase
Super Stock Car Build Plans | Video: How to Build a Super Stock Car | Purchase Super Stock Car Kit
Masters Division
The Masters division (also known as Scottie) is for racers 10-20 years old and is driven by the more experienced drivers. Masters cars can accommodate a child up to (approximately) 6’0″ tall and 160 pounds.
Additional Details (click to expand)
The car weighs approximately 88 lbs. put together with Z-Glas® wheels. The combined weight of the assembled car and the driver shall not exceed 255 pounds including the Z-Glas® wheels. A combined weight of less than 255 pounds may be increased by the addition of owner-provided weight. Because of the lay-down (enclosed) design of the Masters car, small drivers are also competitive in this division.
Important Details & Car Kit Purchase
Masters Car Build Plans | Purchase Masters Car Kit | Purchase Masters Car Kit with Handbrake
Race Forms
To better serve all of our Race Cities, we invite you to visit the Racing Forms page on the International Soap Box Derby site. There, you will find up-to-date registration, waiver, code of conduct forms, and more.
Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby
is a non-profit organization.
Many hands make light work! If you would like to volunteer at an upcoming race, we encourage you to contact us at 630-841-8832.