Soap Box Derby Racing Live!

The First Soap Box Derby Timer

2011-09-02T13:43:00.000-04:00

I will be writning about the timers used at local tracks soon, but here is the history of timers used in Soap Box Derby.

Akron Timer Used Now

The Origin of the Timer Swap

In 1976, in the small village of Elk Grove, about 24 miles south of Sacramento, California, Earle Blair started working on a timer system to determine the distance between two Soapbox Derby Racers at the finish line, and eliminate the difference between lanes and wheels.

The NDR Nationals, and some local rally's before this, had been using a photo to show the difference between the two racers in the first phase of a race. Then they would swap wheels and lanes, and run again in a second phase.

One car might win in lane one by 10 inches, and lose to the other car in lane two by 20 inches. So that would mean that the other car was 10 inches faster. Now if it was just a 2 inch difference, that brought on more talk, and it was a little tougher to determine. Not sophisticated, but satisfactory, and better than the old method of heads up racing, which involved a lot of luck.

Earle had given it a lot of thought, and he wanted a timing system that would accomplish this by giving the differences in thousands of seconds, as each racer crossed the finish line, instead of having to depend on photos.

Dick Lesquer, who was working with Earle, as a mechanic on the machinery in the chemical plant at Proctor & Gamble, near Elk Grove, had completed an electronics course. So this was Earle's man, and he got Dick involved in the project.

First Soap Box Derby Timer

Dick decided that the transmitter that Proctor & Gamble used with infrared beams to count the cases of their products as they came off the conveyor belt, might be incorporated into a timing system for the Derby.

So Dick determined that if he used a unit with relays and switches, and some of these infrared beams, he could make a system that would time the difference between the racers as they broke the beams at the finish line. They didn't have solid state to work with, but Dick built a system using twelve mechanical relays in a 12" x 12" box, that would give a read out of the times on a small screen.

Working with Earle, they found that during the first run between two racers, they could time the difference between the two cars. After the two cars run, they swapped lanes and all four wheels. This left the wheels in the same lanes that they had just been run in. The only difference was that the cars had swapped lanes. This took the difference out of the wheels ... and the lanes.

Red Car runs in lane one, with wheels A. Blue car runs in lane two, with wheels B.

They time the difference between the cars.

Red car wins in lane one by .008 Or 4 inches.

Swap lanes with cars.

BUT ...

Wheels A stays in lane one. Wheels B stays in lane two.

Blue car runs in lane one with wheels A. Red car runs in lane two with wheels B.

Blue car wins in lane one by .010 Or 5 inches.

Blue car is .002 , or one inch faster than Red car.

* These times are examples in thousands, but in actuality, the first timing system was quoted in Hundredths.

As simple as that.

Earle and Dick run the races in Elk Grove in 1976, and 1977 with this system, and everyone was satisfied that they sent the fastest car and driver in Elk Grove, to Akron. They have eliminated the difference in the lanes and wheels, as much as humanly possible.

In 1978, they bought the timing system to the Second NDR National Championships, which were held that year in a beautiful park setting in Columbus, Ohio. This was early in the week before The All American, which was held the following Saturday, right up the road in Akron, Ohio.

The NDR Officials were skeptical, and continued to determine their winners by judging the distance between cars with photos. They called this Photo Swap.

NDR allowed Dick to set the timer up, and also unofficially call each winner. All day the timer click clicked! as each car crossed the finish line, and each time it told how much each lane won by. Each time the call was the same as what the photo showed.

Thus the Timer Swap was born. Now NDR, and most local races use this system.

A tip of the hat to Earle Blair for this contribution to the Soapbox Derby, and Rally Racing as we know it today. Earle has helped a lot of people, and made a remarkable imprint on the Derby, but this may be his most far reaching legacy.

Also thank you to Dick Lesquer, who worked hard to develop Earle's idea. He was in his late sixties when he passed away in 2008.

These guys have my nomination for the ........

All American Soapbox Derby Hall of Fame.

"Keep on Coasting"

Story Courtesy of T HENRY and ZERO ERROR

All American Soap Box Derby Finish Line Photos

2011-08-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby 2011 Finish Line Photos Courtesy of our friends at Zero Error Racing.

All American Soap Box Derby 2011 Results

2011-07-23T17:45:00.004-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby 2011 Results

Results App By Jeff Boothe - Nice Job - See You Next Year!

Soap Box Derby - Los Angeles 2011

2011-07-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/browse?mkt=en-us&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;from={from}&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;vid=5870760f-7c8f-417b-9fa0-8eb7c61068ff&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;from=dest_en-us&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fg=dest" target="_new" title="Red Bull Soapbox Derby LA 2011"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Video: Red Bull Soapbox Derby LA 2011&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

More Video Here:

Soap Box Derby - Los Angeles 2011

Live Feed From the Big Hill (When on Air)

2011-07-23T04:30:00.000-04:00

LIVE FROM THE BIG HILL

Video streaming by Ustream

All American Soap Box Derby on ESPN

2011-07-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Chat Feed for iPhone Unmoderated

2011-07-18T22:19:00.002-04:00

Derby Flashback Video

2011-07-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

Pictures Hot Off The Track From Akron, Ohio!

2011-07-18T20:59:00.001-04:00

Allison Lindsey and Dylan Perry model the ever popular trading item for 2011 showing the popular phrase that expresses the feelings of Rally Racers....sometimes known as Rally Trash to the All American old timers.

Central Florida Champs, Ramey Bomm, Gerard Bomm, Matt Wilcox and Joshua Young check in on the Akron stage and toss out souveniers to the awaiting crowd. Although a hot day, the crowd was excited to get racing.

Ocala Racer, CJ Holland local stock champ prepares to reattach his car body on Monday as hundreds of champ cars behind him show the size of the field in the topside barn.

Pictured are Dave Perry and Scott Kahler showing off the new Central Florida Soap Box Derby team shirt highlighting the winners of the local and rally races for 2011

The Champs from Southeast US or Region 7 of the All American Soap Box Derby celebrated their success Sunday Night at Ryans Steakhouse in Akron Ohio. The group were all smiles as they traded buttons with racers and restaurant servers alike. A good time was had by all leading up to Monday mornings duties put the race bodies back onto the cars.

Central Florida Rally champ Ramey Bomm in her last year of racing gets the lucky draw and has to drop her kingpins with a little discussion on the technique by dad John Bomm. Also those who drop a pin get a free pass for a parent or friend to take a lap down the track for an adult oil can race on Thursday of race week.

It looks like an exciting week over on the big hill!

Pictures and captions by guest blogger Terry Lindsey

All American Soap Box Derby | Ohio Players are Here

2011-07-17T17:33:00.001-04:00

Cambridge, Ohio

The Countryboy comes through with good burgers a few miles off I 77. Cambridge, Ohio.

On The Road to Akron

2011-07-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Beckley, West Virginia

Lindsey family Update: Overnighted in WV and We'll be rolling into Akron today

Derby Race Cars | Not The Only Things Made of Wood | Powered by Gravity

2011-07-16T20:26:00.001-04:00

Made of Wood | Powered by Gravity

iPhone Video

Flash Video

"I can't see anyone but the Japanese having the patience and precision to pull something like this off. Masterful."

On the Road to Akron

2011-07-15T13:35:00.000-04:00

Our Friends the Lindsey family are on the way to the 2011 All American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron Ohio.

Good Luck Champs.

RDW

Stolen Soap Box Derby Car

2011-07-05T21:46:00.001-04:00

Stolen Vehicles

Joe, Beth, and Leah Gunnels of Rickman, Tn arrived in Akron Friday night, July 1 driving a white Ford diesel 4 door extended cab truck pulling a new V nose 12 x 6 single axle trailer with Leah's Masters car inside.

The car is painted with blue ocean scenes with the top painted to look like a submarine. Sometime Friday night the truck, trailer, and car were stolen from the parking lot at the Holiday Inn Express on Arlington Road in Akron, Ohio.

Leah is a 2011 rally champ from Region 12. If you have any information please call Beth at 931-265-4811 or Ray Austin at 931-445-6450 or 931-823-1364.

Please keep an eye on eBay and craigslist as well as anywhere else someone might try to sell a derby car. The car was going to be delivered to the All-American Saturday morning so let's do anything we can to help Leah recover her car, before the race if possible!

Sanford Florida Soap Box Derby Local Champs | 2011

2011-05-08T00:57:00.002-04:00

Dylan in the Rubber Bowl

My good friend Dylan Perry, whom I have mocked many a time for his quiet, serious demeanor, has won the Sanford, Florida local race! Congratulations to him, now all he has to do is loosen up.

Matt Wilcox, Masters
Gerard Lizama-Bomm Super Stock
Dylan Perry Stock

Congrats to the Champs.

Race Driver William

The Perry Family at Awards Banquet Sanford Florida 2011

Tallahassee Derby - NDR Qualifier Race Results

2011-03-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

Winning! Allison Lindsey, C.J. Holland, Brandi Byers

This past Sunday's NDR Derby Rally in Tallahassee Florida was also the annual "Jacket Race" in which the winners of each division received a special commemorative jacket. The winners are:

Allison Lindsey in Superstock,
CJ Holland in Stock,
Brandi Byers in Masters.

Winners will be competing this summer in the NDR finals held in Akron Ohio.

Tallahassee Derby - NDR Qualifier Race Results

Sanford Herald Coverage of the Derby

2011-03-01T23:07:00.003-05:00

The headline read: Lindsey sisters dominate October two-day Rally. But a few other racers had a great weekend.

"Andy Harding was also a double winner in the Super Stock Division over the weekend and just missed equaling Kathryn Lindsey for top overall weekend honors as he won both the Double and Single elimination races on Saturday and then finished as the runner-up in the morning Double Elimination race to Brian Morrie and the afternoon Single Elimination race to Joshua Young on Sunday."

The article is available in full here:

http://mysanfordherald.com/view/full_story/10182828/article-Lindsey-sisters-dominate-October-two-day-Rally

"Briana Walker, who missed the season-opening rally in September, also had a big weekend, bouncing back from a pair of fifth place finishes on Saturday to win both the Double Elimination and Single Elimination Master’s Division races on Sunday."

"Of the 12 races run in the three classes, Stock, Super Stock and Masters, over the two days, the Lindsey sisters won six of them, including all four races they entered on Saturday."

Congrats

Flashback | Gerardi Rally Car 1975

2011-01-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

Joe Gerardi Stands by 1975 Creation

This car placed in the Top 3 in the Keystone Pa Rally circuit in 1975! This car was designed by J Gerardi and Alan Stead, whose sister car (built in PA) and driven by Karen Stead won the 1975 Lower Bucks PA Local and went on to win the 1975 All American Race!

There was only one (1) division in 1975!! And girls had just been allowed in the race a few years back.

Photo Courtesy of Innovative Dynamics Inc. IDI

Soap Box Derby Race Car Weight | Center of Mass

2010-08-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Big Hill at Derby Downs, Akron, Ohio

All American Soap Box Derby expert Paul Gale on friend of the site, ZeroError Racing’s Forum, responded to the proposition that in a Soap Box Derby car aka SBD Car that: “300 pounds is 300 pounds.” The response is written in the context of Ultimate Speed Division USD cars that weigh more than the other classes of cars in the All American Soap Box Derby.

“When a SBD car is sitting on level ground, or rolling down a constant slope (inclined plane), your statement is correct. When a SBD car is rolling down a varying slope (concave slope) like the Akron hill, your statement is incorrect. A 300 pound car with low center of mass will have an advantage over a 300 pound car with a higher center of mass. This advantage is created due to the vertical distance each car’s center of mass “falls” when rolling down the hill from start line to finish line.

A small body mass (lighter weight) driver allows more added weight to be placed low in the car establishing a lower center of mass which creates potential energy. Currently in the Ultimate division, wheels are the single most important factor in determining the car’s speed. A car’s center of mass, weight distribution, aerodynamics and driving straight play a smaller role in the car’s speed.

I expect that in time, additional sources for wheels will be developed. When that happens and wheels become more equal, the other aspects of car design will become more important. Of course, the 60 pound driver with a “good” set of wheels may be able to beat a 140 pound driver with a “very good” set of wheels due to a lower center of mass. Once all of the Ultimate cars have equal wheels sets, the smallest driver (by weight) will win, unless that driver makes a driving mistake.”

Paul Gale

Paul Gale | Derby Legend | Race Story

2010-08-08T12:37:00.001-04:00

Paul Gale
Photo Credit Zero Error Racing

Legendary Derby Expert, Paul Gale and Derek Fitzgerald met again at the 2010 National Derby Rallies Championship in Akron, Ohio. Through the years, Mr. Gale helped us and several other teams understand the laws of physics as applied to gravity racing. We thought we would again share one of his race stories.

About twenty years ago, while living in South Dakota, I received a request for assistance from a family racing AA in Colorado. They were building a Senior Division car (these were build from scratch cars) and asked me for any advice that would help the car go as fast as possible. The driver was fourteen years old and large for his age (the maximum driver age was fifteen at the time). Basic car construction, axle mounting, weight distribution, driver fit, etc. advice was provide to them.

When it was time for their AA Local race, I made the trip down to provide advice on how to set the car on the ramp and drive the lanes. This was my first time at the Denver race site and I spent about an hour in the morning reading the track and ramps to determine the best way to align the car on the ramps and drive the lanes.

The race was on a city street with a little more crown than most streets. The track surface roughness was fairly consistent across each lane and there were no major obstructions such as maintenance access covers. It was a typical street track that indicated a quick drive to the outside after release from the ramp and then straight to the finish line.

I provided this advice to the family. What I did not know, never having seen the driver in action before, was that the driver could not hold a straight line after moving to the outside. He kept trying to steer back to the center of the lane. He wove back and forth all the way down the track. Needless to say, it was two runs down the hill and out (this was before lane and wheel swap racing). The family was very disappointed and decided to retire from racing.

The next year, the local did not have enough cars to fill the field and have a legal race. They needed one more car to fill the field so that the winner could make the trip to Akron. The local contacted the family I had assisted the previous year and requested the driver compete so that the race would be legal. The family agreed to race. They pulled the car out of storage and just cleaned it up for appearance.

I again attended the race but this time my advice was to drive straight down the hill. Do not attempt to drive the crown. The driver drove absolutely straight down the hill without any weaving back and forth. He won the race and went to the Akron Championships.

He could drive straight from the ramp but could not adjust to driving the crown and then straight. The moral of this story is that there is no single “best” way to assemble a car or race a car. The parts in your kit are not the same physical size and shape as the parts in other kits. The assembly of parts in your car is not the same as the assembly of parts in other cars. They may look the same but are not the same. Your driver will not have the same skills as other drivers, which is OK. Derby racing is finding the best way of using the parts you have and finding the best lane drive based upon the skill of your driver.

Paul Gale

Best in Show | Greatest Finish Line Shot Ever?

2010-08-07T21:42:00.006-04:00

Finish Line 2010 All American Soap Box Derby

The guy hanging over the fence and the kid in the stands is priceless. Photo Credit: The Ferdinand and Gongaware Families.

Megan Gongaware Wins Stock Finals of All American Soap Box Derby

2010-08-06T19:23:00.001-04:00

Derby Legend Paul Ferdinand

Megan Gongaware Wins Stock Finals of All American Soap Box Derby - her family and the Ferdinand family goes Wild! Maggie McLaughlin (305)with a fast time of 29.55 started the Finals in Lane 1. Megan Gongaware (302)29.42 started the finals in Lane 2. Joshua Cummings (311) with a fast time 29.54 seconds started the final in Lane 3.

Joe Gerardi with Innovative Dynamics has joined Paul Ferdinand and we should have a live report later this evening. Paul Ferdinand took young Megan under his wing and they flew to victory.

During a post-race interview with Champ Mark Ferdinand, he stated he was "totally speechless." Mark and his sister, Joan are both past-winners of the All American.

More Megan Gongaware News Here.

National Derby | Final Results| | Live Feed | National Derby

2010-08-01T14:05:00.005-04:00

Topside Derby Downs in Akron

Live Web Feed | Replays | See All The Action from the 2010 National Derby Rally Championships at Derby Downs, Akron, Ohio!

Final 2010 National Derby Rallies Results

Stock:

1st Bryanna Plog
Prize: LAPTOP
2nd Catherine Bartz
Prize: Wii GAME SYSTEM WITH WII RESORT ACCESSORY PACKAGE
3rd Ben Feldpausch
Prize: DSI WITH GAME
4th Landon Dunshee
Prize: CAMCORDER
5th Deian Feldpausch
Prize: DUAL SCREEN PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
6th Melody Castner
Prize: PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
7th Madisson Shoff
Prize: KARAOKE MACHINE WITH STROBE LIGHTS
8th Bryce Velpe
Prize: DIGITAL CAMERA
9th Victoria Nording
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
10th Franklin Ludwig
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
11th Dylan Gunn
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
12th Laura Hubell
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO

Super Stock:

1st Brook Wallace
Prize: LAPTOP
2nd Megan Thornton
Prize: Wii GAME SYSTEM WITH WII RESORT & ACCESSORY PACKAGE
3rd Christine Bartz
DSI WITH GAME
4th Kathleen Quinn
Prize: CAMCORDER
5th Scottie Richardson
Prize: DUAL SCREEN PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
6th Britney Weens
Prize: PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
7th Sammie Kunkle
Prize: KAROKE MACHINE WITH STROBE LIGHTS
8th Jacob Gubles
Prize: DIGITAL CAMERA
9th Sammie Howell
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
10th Alison Knaggs
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
11th James Knaggs
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
12th Jocelyn Vandergreen
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO

AA Masters:

1st Betsy Smith
Prize: LAPTOP
2nd Brook Finkbeiner
Prize: Wii GAME SYSTEM WITH WII RESORT & ACCESSORY PACKAGE
3rd Kacie Rader
Prize: DSI WITH GAME
4th Morgan Dyer
Prize: CAMCORDER
5th Kristi Murphy
Prize: DUAL SCREEN PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
6th Rachael Dyer
Prize: PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
7th Ambrea Garren
Prize: KAROKE MACHINE WITH STROBE LIGHTS
8th Adam Fitzgerald
Prize: DIGITAL CAMERA
9th Katie Atchinson
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
10th Jenna Dameron
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
11th Josh Prett
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO
12th Maddie Quinn
Prize: MP3 PLAYER WITH VIDEO

NDR Masters:

1st Kristi Murphy
Prize: Netbook Laptop
2nd Annie Taylor
Prize: iPOD NANO
3rd Morgan Dyer
Prize: DIGITAL CAMERA
4th - 8th
Prize: WALMART GIFTCARD

Top 16 Shootout:

Stock - Catherine Bartz
Super Stock - Brian Carpenter
Masters - Kacie Rader

National Derby Rallies | Breaking News | Video

2010-07-30T21:50:00.002-04:00

With one day left tomorrow, we have just received the results from Speed Week for the National Derby on Akron's Big Hill. Dylan Gunn from Florida has made the Finals tomorrow. Check back for details.

Video replays of Friday are here.

TOP 16 SHOOTOUT:

Stock - Catherine Bartz
Super Stock - Brian Carpenter
Masters - Kacie Rader

TOP 12 FINALISTS:

Stock:

Deion Feldpausch
Ben Feldpausch
Melody Castner
Bryanna Plog
Catherine Bartz
Victoria Nording
Franklin Ludwig
Madison Shoff
Landon Dunshee
Dylan Gunn
Laura Hubbell
Bryce Volpe

Super Stock:

Brooke Wallace
Megan Thornton
Brittney Weems
Kristine Bartz
Sammie Howell
Sammie Kunkle
Allison Knaggs
Scottie Richardson
Jocelyn VendeGriend
Kathleen Quinn
Jacob Gubbels
James Knaggs

Masters:

Kerry Murphy
Brooke Finkbeiner
Betsy Smith
Rachael Dyer
Maddie Quinn
Adam Fitzgerald
Josh Puett
Kacie Rader
Ambree Garren
Katie Atchison
Morgan Dyer
Jenna Damerso

Trina Perry | Akron Race Update

2010-07-27T21:30:00.003-04:00

Proud Papa Dave

Good friend of the site and our family, Trina Perry, has been to Akron five times. This was her last. She has written a song and submitted it to the producers of 25 Hill. What a great family and a great racer. Here's a message from a five time champ. Tell us your story on Raceline. Send us your pictures as we are creating a 2010 mosaic like this one for this year's big race.

Flash Player required to listen to Trina's story.

Ultimate Speed Division | Final Results | 2010 All American Soap Box Derby

2010-07-25T21:39:00.002-04:00

Ultimate Speed Division Cars

2010 Ultimate Speed Division | 2010 All American Soap Box Derby

1st - Sheri Lazowski (26.844)
2nd - Jamie Berndt (26.849)
3rd - Jim Overmyer (26.861)

Some Ultimate Speed Round One Updates!

1st 26.844 Sheri Lazowski
2nd 26.859 Jamie Berndt
3rd 26.861 Jim Overmyer

All American Soap Box Derby Super Kids

2010-07-25T20:24:00.000-04:00

Champ From Peterborough, Ontario Canada. Kathryn Lindsey says it's fun to trade buttons with all champs! The Super Kids were just that. Despite various limitations, having fun was not one of them. Driven by experienced previous SBD champions these kids had the time of their life to compete in a double elimination race. The finals are on Saturday during the All American. The Superkids were going fast as they crossed the finish line in the qualifiers for the Superkids final on Saturday.

2010 All American Soap Box Derby Mega Photo Gallery

2010-07-25T19:23:00.000-04:00

All the families have started to send us their pictures and we are posting them here for all to share. Will keep adding pictures as long as we can. Enjoy. You can click on the Gallery to go directly to the source and get the huge images.

Enjoy.

Race Driver William

All American Soap Box Derby | July 25, 2010 | Final Results

2010-07-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby | July 25, 2010 | Champions By Division

Local Stock World Champ - Megan Gongaware

Local Super Stock World Champ - Tucker Mcclaran

Local Masters World Champ - Morgan Champagne

Rally Stock World Champ - Ricky Desens

Rally Super Stock World Champ - Sean Brown

Rally Masters World Champ - Michael Morawski

Local Masters Results

1^st - Morgan Champagne

2^nd - Maranda Busby

3^rd - Megan Hensley

Local Super Stock Results

1^st - Tucker McClaran

2^nd - Megan Riley

3^rd - Danielle Hoeckelberg

Local Stock Results

1^st - Megan Gongaware

2^nd - Maggie McLaughlin

3^rd - Joshua Cummings

Rally Masters Results

1^st - Michael Morawski

2^nd - Maddie Quinn

3^rd - Gerard Lizama-Bomm

Rally Super Stock Results

1^st - Sean Brown

2^nd - Sam Fehrman

3^rd - Brittnay Weems

Rally Stock Results

1^st - Ricky Desens

2^nd - Cassie Kilby

3^rd - Dylan Morris

Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame | Norm Perry

2010-07-25T13:28:00.001-04:00

Norm Perry Hall of Fame Plaque in Akron, Ohio

Norm Perry, the man that helped us (and countless other families) start in their Soap Box Derby journeys, was inducted into the All American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame on July 25, 2010 in Akron, Ohio. Norm made sure that Derby Park in Sanford, Florida was developed into one of the few dedicated derby racing parks in the world. The track is a perennial favorite of racers throughout the United States.

Norm Perry's photo and biography is hung in the museum on the bottom floor of the AASBD office near the finish line. Norm was presented his plaque Saturday night after the race. This is the photo of the framed Biography (Photo Credit Terry Lindsey) .

Lisa Jones, Norm Perry, and Mike Kirby

Norm Perry dedicated over 60 years to Derby racing and was in Akron, Ohio to be inducted into the All American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame. Joining Norm was Lisa Jones, Mike Kirby, and Eric Griffin from the city of Sanford Parks and Recreation. The Friday night festivities at the Spaghetti Warehouse included many Central Florida Soap Box Derby racers who wished Norm and his wife well.

2010 Soap Box Derby | Champ Group Photos | Free

2010-07-25T12:14:00.004-04:00

Click on the images to get Full Size. Special Thanks to Photographer Terry Lindsey.

2010 Rally Champs All Classes All American Soap Box Derby

2010 Stock Local All American Soap Box Derby Champs

2010 Super Stock Local All American Soap Box Derby Champs

2010 Masters Local All American Soap Box Derby Champs

25 Hill | Pictures | Derby Downs | All American Soap Box Derby

2010-07-25T11:24:00.002-04:00

Allison, Lindsey, Corbin Bernsen, and Kathryn Lindsey

25 Hill the Movie, Hollywood, and our derby racing family, the Lindsey's checked out the superstock racer to be used in the movie being filmed this week. The producer, Mr. Corbin Bernsen, was also nice enough to pose with our racers earlier in the day at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.

Corbin Bernsen took a minute to welcome Central Florida Racers, Kathryn and Allison Lindsey. to Derby Downs. Mr. Bernsen is on the set at Akron's Derby Downs to direct and produce the Soap Box Derby Movie, "25 Hill" that will be in theaters next summer. Special Thanks to the Lindsey family for their live coverage from the Big Hill this weekend.

Faith and Courage Car Used in Movie

25 Hill Camera on Track

Mock Up Soap Box Derby racers with camera attachments and camera crews were busy today setting up camera location shots to be used film parts of the "real" derby for the upcoming movie.

25 Hill, The Movie will be coming to a theater near you in July 2011.

Gerard Lizama-Bomm Takes Third | Masters Rally Finals of the All American Soap Box Derby

2010-07-24T17:17:00.003-04:00

Maddie Quinn (502) with fast time of 29.30 goes to Lane 1.

Gerard Lizama-Bomm (519) with fast time of 29.27 goes to Lane 2.

Michael Morawski (540) with fast time of 29.15 goes to lane 3.

Gerard has run a 29.15 in his second heat, so he is just as fast as Morawski.

Final Results:

1. Michael Morawski (540) winning time of 29.24
2. Maddie Quinn (502) (2nd)
3. Gerard Lizama-Bomm (519) (3rd)

Gerard takes Third. Way to go.

Florida'a Summer Robinson Takes Ninth in Masters Rally

2010-07-24T17:13:00.000-04:00

Florida's Summer Robinson Advances From Lane 2 in Masters Rally. Summer grabs another Heat win from Lane 1!. Summer Takes another in Lane 1 and advances!

Summer Robinson Takes Ninth in Masters Rally.

Ostrander Takes Seventh Super Stock | 4 Heat Wins

2010-07-24T17:10:00.003-04:00

Advance, Young Ostrander shall. Win he must, next Heat 223 from Lane 1. 3rd win from Lane 1!

What a great guy with a great family. Way to go.

Mark Takes Seventh in Lane 1 with 4 heat wins.

Race Driver William.

Race, he must, win he does.

Dylan Gunn Takes Seventh Place All American Soap Box Derby Shootout

2010-07-24T17:06:00.000-04:00

Heat 110 in Lane 2 Dylan Gunn from Florida wins a heat in Rally Stock. Next heat will be Heat 126 from Lane 1.

The Young Gunn takes another Heat from Lane 1 at the All American Soap Box Derby! Young Gunn takes another and makes it to the final 9.

He took Seventh at the Worlds, way to go Dylan!

Megan Gongaware | Paul Ferdinand Make the Finals of All American Soap Box Derby!

2010-07-24T16:47:00.001-04:00

With two kids winning the All American in the 70's, Paul Ferdinand and young Megan Gongaware from Ohio have advanced in the Stock World Championship at Akron's historic Derby Downs.

Mark Ferdinand, a world champ is happy to share this moment with his Dad.

Megan has won again from Lane 3. She makes the Top 9.

More Megan Gongaware News News Here.

International Soap Box Derby Division Winner | Elizabeth Medina

2010-07-24T16:41:00.001-04:00

International Soap Box Derby Division Winner is Elizabeth Medina of Kodiak Alaska Car 155.

Gerard Lizama-Bomm Takes Third in World | Masters Rally

2010-07-24T16:37:00.003-04:00

Gerard Lizama-Bomm Advances in Masters Rally. Win came in Lane 2. His brother also advanced.

Gerard's second heat win came from Lane 1. Gerard wins again in Lane 1.

Florida is in the Finals in Masters Rally.

Gerard takes 3rd in the World.

Way to go.

Race Driver William.

All American Soap Box Derby | District Seven Update at 2:15 PM

2010-07-24T14:16:00.001-04:00

Still in the Hunt are:

Summer Robinson
Sierra Robinson
Gerard Lizama-Bomm
Ramey Bomm
Dylan Gunn

All American Soap Box Derby | District Seven Update at 1:31 PM

2010-07-24T13:37:00.000-04:00

Still in the Hunt are:

Katrina Perry
Summer Robinson
Sierra Robinson
Gerard Lizama-Bomm
Ramey Bomm
Dylan Gunn
Ambree Garren

Sierra Robinson Advances From Lane 3 in Masters Rally

2010-07-24T13:10:00.001-04:00

Sierra Robinson from Florida Advances in Masters Rally. She was in Lane 3.

Ramey Bomm Advances From Lane 2

2010-07-24T12:34:00.000-04:00

Ramey Bomm Advances From Lane 2, Way to go Orlando!

Katrina Perry Lane 3 Wins in Masters

2010-07-24T11:29:00.006-04:00

Magical Miss Perry

We finally found Katrina Perry. She magically appeared in her car next to her Dad, Dave Perry. Friend of the site, Katrina Perry wins in Lane 3.

Dylan Perry made it to the Finals in Super Stock last year. There was a Dylan sighting last night, but we have not seen the Champ today.

I smell a sequel. Way to go Miss Perry.

Next will be Heat 624 from Lane 1.

Ambree Garren Lane 1 Wins Heat in Masters

2010-07-24T11:18:00.006-04:00

Ambree Garren with her dog Scooby wins her Masters Heat from Lane 1. Nice run. Her next appearance will be Heat 621 From Lane 1.

Tessa Gagne of Sanford Florida Advances in Stock

2010-07-24T11:04:00.005-04:00

Brother Kirby Gagne won the World Championship. Sister Tessa Gagne has won her first heat and will be in a 2 Car Heat Heat 447 (3) 1. Tessa Gagne (316) 2. X 3.Thomas Ferguson (327), Go Girl!

Next appearance for Tessa Gagne in Heat 447 from Lane 1.

Soap Box Derby | Super Stock Driver Live Report

2010-07-24T08:40:00.003-04:00

Allison Lindsey with Car Top Side

Our good friend, the talented, Allison Lindsey has just filed this live report from the top of the Big Hill at today's 73rd Annual World Championship of the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Good Luck Allison! We hope you, get down low, stay focused, in short; do your best. Flash Player required.

Good Morning | What is This?

2010-07-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

What is this six-wheeled contraption? It is the Ultimate Speed Division piloted by Derby vet Ashley Wilt. Friend of the site and our sponsor in last year's District Seven Rally Stock Championship, Innovative Dynamics and Joe Gerardi are thinking outside the box this year and added a couple of extra wheels.

Dave and Joe Gerardi designed this racer during a recent trip to the Moon.

Reports from the track are that it is the quietest car in the Ultimate Speed Division. We hope it is fast!

Good Luck Mr. Joe and Ashley.

Race Driver William

Japanese Champion Masaki Sumiya - 日本のチャンピオン

2010-07-23T20:11:00.001-04:00

Heat 506 (the winner of this will be in position 1 of heat 544)
1. Nicholas Moore (115)
2. X

3. Masaki Sumiya (144)

Henry Dyer Flies from New Zealand to Ohio to win the All American Soap Box Derby

2010-07-23T20:03:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/

Henry says, ''I love racing. It's a really fun thing, and I get to come to America. I get to represent my country and make my country proud.''

Heat 509 (the winner of this heat will be in position 1 in heat 545)
1. Megan Riley (151)
2. Ryan Masterstefone (121)

3. Henry Dyer (176)

Read more about Henry Dyer in the Akron Beacon Journal http://www.ohio.com/news/98874264.html or the New Zealand Rodney Times http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/3580846/Dedication-makes-soapbox-winner

Mannschaft Deutschland Nachrichten! Team Germany Update!

2010-07-23T19:33:00.003-04:00

Drei Meisterkränze für mutige Seifenkistenpiloten aus Anhalt

Berlin (cm). Wie schon in den vergangenen Jahren gehörten sie zu den erfolgreichsten Startern bei den Titelkämpfen im Berliner Bezirk Wedding und konnten gleich drei Meisterkränze mit in die Doppelstadt bringen. Deutscher Meister können sich ab sofort der Köthener Nick Wollmerstädt (Stock Car Division) vom Team Vodafone und die Dessauer Max Wieczorek (Super-Stock-Car-Division, Team Abschlepp- und Service GmbH) und Tim Gleichmann (Scottie Special, Team Seifenkistenvereinigung Berlin e. V.) nennen. Dazu holten Lukas Eigler (Super Stock-Car-Division) und Juliane Engelmann (Masters) eine Silber- und eine Bronzemedaille in ihren Rennklassen. Dirk Rödiger, Organisationschef des Anhaltischen Seifenkistenrennens in Dessau, freute sich über den erneuten Erfolg: „Ein tolles Abschneiden und wieder einmal der Beweis: Wer in Dessau gewinnt, der hat auch in Berlin eine große Chance auf den Titel.“ Und darf nun nach Amerika. Traditionell bietet sich den Deutschen Meistern die Möglichkeit, an den Offiziellen Weltmeisterschaften in Akron (Ohio) in den USA teilzunehmen. Diese finden am 24. Juli statt. Der Flieger in die USA startet bereits am 14. Juli. Doch bevor die mutigen Seifenkistenpiloten aus Anhalt zu ihrer Reise nach Übersee starten, sind sie am Mittwoch zur „Teambesprechung“ im Büro von Dessau-Roßlaus Oberbürgermeister Klemens Koschig eingeladen. Dann heißt es: „Daumen drücken!“

http://www.supersonntag-web.de/scms_show_data.php?mode=detail&category=24&entry=10907

Masters Heat 610 (Sieger nimmt Stellung 3 in Hitze 623)
1. Maranda Busby (30)
2. Madi Williams (43)

3. Tim Gleichmann (18)

Superstock Heat 526 (Sieger nimmt Stellung 2 in Hitze 552)
1. McKenna Laughlin (186)

2. Max Wieczorek (141)

3. Sade Hellams (115)

Stock Heat 407 (Sieger nimmt Stellung 2 in Hitze 444)
1. Davie James (358)
2. Emma Chrzanowski (341)

3. Nick Wollmerstadt (340)

Katrina and Dylan Perry Where Are You?

2010-07-23T17:19:00.003-04:00

Last Known Photo of Miss Perry

Dylan Perry took 3rd in All America Rally Superstock last year, then his sister wins the Sanford, Florida Local in Masters this year. They are both hiding somewhere in Ohio tonight and will reappear Topside tomorrow morning.

Miss Perry is expected to magically appear for Masters Heat 612 in Lane 3. An All-Florida Heat with Kelsie Moore in Lane 2 , and Chandler Soucey in Lane 1.

Last Known Photo of Dylan Perry

Here is the last known photo of Dylan Perry with Race Driver William last year in the Rubber Bowl. If anyone sees this wayward lad, tell him to call Raceline at 813-699-9059 and file a report.

Terry Lindsey Reports From the Super Kids Race

2010-07-23T16:32:00.017-04:00

Terry Lindsey

Terry Lindsey has three champs, Kathryn Superstock Rally Champ Superstock Heat 203 Lane 1 and Allison Super Stock Sanford Local Champ Heat 533 Lane 3. Wife Linda is the third champ for putting up with all the Derby Tomfoolery.

Way to Go Terry and Linda Lindsey for such a great family from Sanford, Florida.

Super Stock Champ Kathryn Lindsey Reports Live from The Track

2010-07-23T16:22:00.005-04:00

Kathryn and Allison Lindsey

This shot catches the Sisters Lindsey throwing stuff at small children on the streets of downtown Akron.

Kathryn Lindsey starts throwing down again in Superstock Heat 203 Lane 1.

You go Girl!

Message to Everyone in Akron From Ultimate Speed Champ Team

2010-07-23T12:42:00.006-04:00

Mark Ferdinand, All American Champ

Live report from Derby Downs | Zero Error Racing and Mr. Fitzgerald strongly suggest that all those in attendance at the All American Soap Box Derby tomorrow "bring their A-Game."

The rivalry between the teams in the pits next to the starting gate is fierce. Look for a new World Record in this class.

Soap Box Derby Webcast Live! iPhone App

2010-07-23T00:31:00.001-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby 2010 GravitySportz.com and this site will collaborate with the team on the Big Hill at Derby Downs in Akron to stream the live webcast of raceday 2010 live on Saturday. We will also be providing live updates from teams at the track in Akron. Special thanks to Zero-Error Racing and the gang at Innovative Dynamics Inc, and Joseph Gerardi for assistance with the bandwidth. Feeds can also be found here.

2010 Soap Box Derby Live Feed

Soap Box Derby Television Coverage

2010-07-23T00:25:00.005-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby, Kaycee Ellen, 2010 National Stock Points Champ, and Tex Cobb get tons of airtime in this television news feature story on this Saturday's big race. Way to go Champs! Love the pink stock car!

More Television Coverage is Here.

Casting Call for Derby Movie

2010-07-23T00:06:00.004-04:00

Calling all cars! First, most probably do not know what the title of the movie in production this year means. According the the production team the title comes from the name of "[t]he local place [one of the stars in the film] used to race with other kids back in the day [it] was a slight incline slicing through the old oil fields surrounding town. The track is known as 25 Hill."

We need to roll out to Derby Downs on July 25, 2010 for the filming of the race scenes on the big hill at Derby Downs. Here is the Casting Call Video and link to email the producer of the big movie "25 Hill." Movie Contact is treycaldwell25hill@gmail.com .

All American Wheel Deal | Matt Feldpausch

2010-07-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

Wheels on Fork Lift are delivered Topside.

What is the deal on the Soap Box Derby Wheel? This year's champ wheels are white, a departure from the black wheels used for the past few All American Soap Box Derby races. Discussion on the internets including on the Zero Error private forum includes the following from Matt Feldpausch.

"My brother Benjamin is a stock local champ! I hope today he picked out a good set of wheels! I had people ask me if they were fast, and it is so hard to tell pulling them out of the box. I know the bearings spun freely, but that is far from telling the story. So you live with the box picked. Now, which spindle and in which direction do you place them on the car???? Does each side of the wheel get a chance to be on the outside of the calibration table or only the side with the direction sticker on it. The stickers are pointing clockwise. If you put the wheels in the direction of the stickers, the stickers would be seen from the right side of the car. We chose to keep 2 wheels in the calibrated direction and 2 wheels against the calibrated direction. I believe it is best to have the best bearing of a wheel on the outside of the spindle, and I felt the bearing on the sticker side was always best. This resulted in two wheels running opposite calibration. Hopefully, Saturday proves our decision to be right!"

Matt then said he is not a bearing expert. Who is? Thanks, Matt.

All American Soap Box Derby | Ultimate Speed Test Report

2010-07-22T21:27:00.007-04:00

FinishLynx Timing Camera

Friend of the site Derek Fitzgerald with Zero Error Racing filed this report from a recent test of their World Record holding Ultimate Speed Division racer.

You can file your own report by calling Raceline at 813-699-9059.

Flash is required. Enjoy!

FinishLynx image from the All American Soap Box Derby July 31 1999

Even MORE Pictures from Akron!

2010-07-22T20:04:00.000-04:00

The Lindsey's alignment tool!

The Lindseys making sure that the sonic hypertension in their car is calibrated.

The wheels this year are white and sponsered by Geico!
Soap Box Derby, so easy, a caveman can do it!

Photos courtesy of Terry Lindsey

Live Soap Box Derby | Audio Blog

2010-07-22T19:12:00.005-04:00

2009 Top Gun Stock Car

We hope that those with phones will call in their stories so we can post the audio of their story, videos and photos from everyone on the big hill. Call the number and leave a message and we will post some of the reports right here. As you have previously read, we already have Blackberry users who are photo blogging from the race. To record an audio blog post call and leave a message with your stories:

Raceline | 813-699-9059

An example of a report is here:

http://soapboxderbyracing.blogspot.com/2010/05/breaking-news-from-akron-derby-downs.html

Special shout out to Team Lindsey, Innovative Dynamics, and Zero Error Racing for their support.

Race Driver William

Masters Inspection Controversy | All America Soap Box Derby

2010-07-22T18:32:00.000-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby races are noted for their meticulous inspections and enforcement of a myriad of rules included in the instructions the kids are to follow in constructing their racer. An anonymous source has reported controversy topside at the All American Soap Box Derby in the Masters class. The issue as reported, involves the steering cables, pulleys, and routing of the cables. It has been reported that 17 Masters cars had to be refitted with new steering cables, after problems found in technical inspections for this years big race. "It used to be you could string it any way you wanted as long as the axle turned correctly. Now you have to string it a specific way."

"The problem is that when I looked at the plans, the cover sheet still says "Revised 12/4/06". To me that indicates there have been no changes since. It also says on the bottom that "new plans will be available by the 2007 race." Again, I'm assuming there is no changes."

"Tucked inside the plans are some bold "updates". I mentioned this to the control board and asked that they please update the cover sheet and when there are updates to the plans, please put a notice on the home page of the website. Its wrong to expect people to dig through the plans monthly to see if something new is tucked in."

"I understand 17 masters cars had to restring the steering cable, which also means you have to recut the cable slot on the airfoils, and cut a new slot in the body of the car as it exits in a new position."

"I will say they were polite but firm and made us change. I don't understand the reason for the change and maybe someone can educate me. What would it matter as long as the car steers appropriately? Its not a speed issue and its not a safety issue. If anything its more of a safety issue making cars change at the AA as the cables stretch and tensions change."

All American Soap Box Derby 2010

Soap Box Derby | Kingpins Dropped at Akron?

2010-07-22T17:13:00.010-04:00

Akron, Ohio - The dreaded news is that you have to drop your kingpins in the pits at Akron. All the pool table, granite slab, reference table efforts to eliminate cross-bind are out the window. What do you do?

Terry Lindsay brought an "instant level place." He used an often-discussed, but seldom used method - fishing line to check the car after dropping the kingpins. He also used a stethoscope for reasons that he would not disclose to Soap Box Derby Racing Live. This technique is shown in a photo of Champ Allison Lindsey with her upside-down Super Stock car.

Akron News | Video from Derby Downs!

2010-07-22T17:05:00.003-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby supporters, Akron News Now, has ave just provided this great video from the big week in Akron. Enjoy and have a great time making memories. Wish we were there too.

2010 All American Soap Box Derby

Podium Finish For Florida in Adult Race!

2010-07-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

We are awaiting final official results from Akron, but we have a report from the top of the hill that Terry Lindsey has taken a podium finish in the adult race, amidst a brewing controversy about his helmet and footwear. The cars have been impounded in the Rubber Bowl since the finish and are expected to remain there until next year.

Here is what we know so far. The cars are large and the steering is sloppy but they are also fast. Winning 3 heats and moving into the final Florida's Terry Lindsey keeps lane one to finish 2nd in the Over the Hill Adult race. Race officials questioned the lay-down helmet backward, shoes off driving style, but Lindsey explained that if the Masters could do it, he could too. Trophies were awarded to the top 3. A fun time was had by all.

Several Pictures From Akron!

2010-07-21T19:08:00.009-04:00

The Hollands are enjoying the week despite contesting the ability to run rusted axles. Akron feels that the axles should shine and that a rusty axle is an advantage. Go figure? John Bomm tries to work with officials to allow his ability to move around during race week. John calls out SBD Pres Jim Huntsman to review the situation. Things are calm . . . for now. New sign at Akron. Test-runs on Thursday.

Soap Box Derby Weigh-In | 2010

2010-07-21T18:55:00.002-04:00

The weigh-in at Akron!

Ultimate Speed Division | Live Report From Derby Downs

2010-07-20T14:00:00.003-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby - Ultimate Speed Division - "Reporting live from the track. Some pretty new cars One about 4 inches too long. A few with smaller wheels. A few with wheel fairings. One thing that was clear today, it is not about having a small wheel. It is about a good wheel. Rolling resistance goes up as radius shrinks. Gotta have the good tires to make the small wheel work."

Thanks To Mr. Lemuroid and Zero Error Racing Forum for the Live Report!

Raceline: Call (813) 699-9059, leave your race update, keep it brief, and clean. Your report may be posted Live Right Here.

Best of Luck to Everyone from Sanford!

2010-07-19T19:47:00.004-04:00

Just reminding all my friends from Sanford that I'm rooting for them! Its a long road getting there and all of you deserve to be up there more than anybody's business.

Race Driver William

Champs Take To The Stage in Akron, Ohio

2010-07-19T19:41:00.004-04:00

Over 500 Racers check-in today for the 73rd running of the All American Soap Box Derby Race. Racers, Kathryn and Allison Lindsey take to the stage in the attached photo. The champs throw out souvenirs to the locals and racers alike. Champs were awarded T-shirts, Sweatshirts, bags, and watches as prizes for making the annual race. Today the champs attached their bodies to the racecars and prepare for tomorrow to have brake checks and test runs.

This year there will be two sessions of test runs, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. Tonight is the Akron Aero's triple A baseball game and champs will parade down the first base line and stay to enjoy the game. Also, there was continued filming during the events that will be used in the upcoming Soap Box Derby movie. Local restaurants such as Applebee's on Arlington Road have been hosting filming this past month to be used as shots in the movie. The town of Green where many racers are staying will be host next week to additional town scenes for the movie. On Sunday, following the race the crowd scenes will be filmed as the production crews are asking locals to come out for close up crowd shots.

Article and pictures by Terry Lindsey

2010 All American Soap Box Derby Champ Check In and Parade

2010-07-19T11:22:00.000-04:00

Champs Perry and Lindsey

2010 All American Soap Box Derby drivers arrive. With a high of 80 and no chance of rain the champs line up to take the stage on the first day of festivities. Lori Soucey sets up the blockade to insure Central Florida is first to the parade and the stage! Trina Perry and Allison Lindsey are Champs ready to get credentials and get police escort to the stage.

Akron Soap Box Derby Week Kick Off

2010-07-18T18:32:00.002-04:00

Sunday night kicks off the week for Region 7 to celebrate the week of festivities. Our guest bloggers the Lindsey family have just reported that the big dinner / party for all the region's Champs has begun at the Ryan's Steakhouse in Akron, Ohio.

Good luck to all of our friends on the Big Hill this week!

Countdown to Akron 2010

2010-07-18T12:23:00.000-04:00

<p><a href="http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2010&month=7&date=24&hrs=0&ts=24&min=0&sec=0&tz=local&lang=en&show=d&mode=r&cdir=down&bgcolor=%23000000&fgcolor=%23FFFFFF&title=Countdown%20To%20Akron%20Soap%20Box%20Derby">Countdown To Akron Soap Box Derby</a></p>

The 2010 All American Soap Box Derby, 2010 NDR Championship, AASBD, Akron, All American Soapbox Derby, or whatever you call it is coming up soon. Kids and families from around the world are preparing for their trips to (and down) the big hill at Derby Downs, Akron, Ohio, USA!

Soap Box Derby Music Video

2010-07-07T17:41:00.002-04:00

All American Soap Box Derby - The AASBD has a music video trailer for Keepin the Dream Alive / 1 Dream by Buckner and Garcia. The opening shot in lane one with the white stock car, steely eyes and goggles is our friend Allison Lindsey of Sanford, Florida from heat one of the Stock Rally 2005. Also, towards the end of the video is our friend Kirby Gagne with the winner's trophy as World Stock Rally Champ.

Audio | Derby on National Public Radio

2010-06-28T18:27:00.002-04:00

Friend of the site Derek Fitzgerald and Zero Error Racing are featured in a National Public Radio piece about his World Record breaking All American Soap Box Derby racer today. Free audio of the Akron, Ohio story is below:

Ultimate Speed | Update From Akron

2010-06-27T14:35:00.000-04:00

This precision carrier transports the 300 pound bullet.

All American Soap Box Derby Ultimate Speed Division testing is complete. Derek Fitzgerald of Zero Error Racing comes to us live from the Derby Downs on the Big Hill in Akron, Ohio with a report. The Zero Error team is the current World Record holder and the other teams have placed a bullseye on the back of the team from Pennsylvania. None of the other teams phoned in reports.

NDR | Winston Salem Soap Box Derby Results

2010-06-14T11:29:00.001-04:00

2010 NDR - Breaking news from Winston Salem, North Carolina

Winners of this weekend's NDR Races are reported below - Congratulations to all participants for a great effort.

Zero Error Wins in Florida Quarter Midget - Driver Tyler Clem

2010-06-12T19:35:00.001-04:00

Soap Box Derby Expert | Setup Tips | Torque Kingpin

2010-06-11T16:11:00.001-04:00

Race Driver William Preparing for 2009 Top Gun Championship

All America Soap Box Derby genius and friend of the site, Derby Expert Paul Gale has been at it again with some key information on setups going into the big race in July. He states:

The front axle mount “is a combo of things.” Increased front kingpin nut torque makes it harder to steer the car. This will be a good thing for some drivers and a bad thing for others. Driver control, or ability to steer the car, is the single most important factor when setting up a car.

Are we discussing a Stock/Super Stock, or Masters front kingpin assembly? Has the lip, or ridge, been removed from each washer in the stack up? Have the washers, axle hole and kingpin been lubricated? What is the steering cable tension? All of these factors come into play when trying to determine the best kingpin nut torque for any car. It may take some trial and error to determine the best front kingpin nut torque for your specific driver in a specific car on a specific ramp/track.

The Fischer Gauge should be applied to a car’s front axle and rear axle when the car is first assembled, or at the beginning of a race season. Fischer Gauge measurements should be taken at several different kingpin nut torque settings and with two or three different weights (such as 2-1/2, 5 and 10 pounds) applied to the axle. The Fischer Gauge is used to establish a baseline measurement and is compared to measurements taken after races to determine if something has changed in the kingpin assemble.

Front kingpin set up recommendations (without knowledge of car parts, driver experience, or ramp/track conditions):

1. Kingpin nut torque between 120 and 180 inch pounds. Final torque is subject to driver preference.

2. Steering cable tension between 25 and 35 pounds.

Paul Gale (Courtesy of Zero Error Racing)

Note: Pay particular attention to Mr. Gale's suggestions. He has taught some of the best racers we ever faced.

Breaking News From Akron - Derby Downs

2010-05-30T18:17:00.000-04:00

Good Luck to everyone in the run toward the 2010 Speedweeks in Akron. Here are all the results from this weekend's qualifier on the Big Hill in Akron, Ohio.

Thanks to Derek and the Gang at Zero Error.

Race Driver William.

Sunday Results | Sponsored by Zero Error Racing

Saturday Results | Sponsored by Zero Error Racing

Breaking News From Akron - Derby Downs

Final Results From Akron - Derby Downs

Good Night From Akron, Ohio.

Raceline - Phone It In - Live Race Reports

2010-05-26T19:36:00.005-04:00

Raceline: Call (813) 699-9059, leave your race update, keep it brief, and clean. Your report may be posted Live on this website.

Enjoy.

Race Driver William.

This Is Why We Race - Derby

2010-05-23T23:46:00.001-04:00

One of Zero Error Racing's cars was nearly wiped out today in Florida during a Quarter Midget Race. Friend of the team, Tyler Clem is OK.

Cleveland Soap Box Derby - Live Results From Cleveland NDR Race

2010-05-23T21:05:00.006-04:00

Breaking News

Race Driver William just received this live audio report from friend of the website, Derek Fitzgerald.

Zero Error sent this live report from the big NDR Race in Cleveland! Click on the link below this picture of us at Cleveland last year for the Top Gun Championship.

The link below reads Cleveland NDR Results Live From Zero Error Racing. Flash Player Required.

Sanford Local Winners Soap Box Derby - Breaking News

2010-05-22T15:02:00.018-04:00

Three talented Florida drivers have raced their way into the 2010 All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio in July. They are: Masters - Katrina Perry; Superstock - Allison Lindsey; and Stock - Tessa Gagne. Tessa's brother, Kirby is a former World Champion. Katrina Perry was racing in her last race until she won today. Allison Lindsey is a talented swimmer, also.

Here is some live audio from the finish line at today's big race.

Story Update From The Lindsey Family

May 24, 2010

It was another Hot one this past Saturday, May 22nd at Derby Park in Sanford Florida. Both in terms of the weather and the competition on the track. The atmosphere had a lot of tension as the racers and the families know that this race is for the pinnacle of the sport. A trip to the finals for the winners of each division to a chance to compete at the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron Ohio on July 24th, 2010.

The racers weighed in early in the morning then a few photo's were taken of the drivers and their masterfully built race cars in the three divisions. Masters, Superstock, and Stock. The field had a mix of veteran rally drivers as well as newcomers who took their first trips down the hill before the local race began.

Topside was light-hearted as the Dads and Pit Crews worked to ready the drivers to race the fastest lines down the track and to focus for the 30 seconds it takes to reach the finish line at speeds reaching 30 miles and hour. The race ended mid afternoon with the racers and the families transferring to the Sanford Civic Center for celebration banquet hosted by the city of Sanford and the Bob Evans Restaurant Central Florida Locations.

Awards were presented to all finishing postilions as well as Best Appearance and Best Built awards as well as the top award for Sportsmanship. Everyone had a great time and the winners of the local race as well as the top rally participants are looking forward to their upcoming experiences in Akron, Ohio this summer.

Sportsmanship Award: Joshua Young

Masters: #1 Katrina Perry #2 Ramey Bomm

Superstock: #1 Allison Lindsey #2 Gerard Bomm

Stock: #1 Tessa Gagne #2 Kathryn Lindsey

Good Luck to All.

Race Driver William

NDR Breaking News - Live Webcast From the Big Hill?

2010-05-20T21:58:00.001-04:00

Breaking News - Race Driver William has just attended a production meeting there may also be a webcast from the events at the 2010 NDR Championship from the Big Hill at Akron!

Race Driver William.

Follow Us On Twitter Here: http://twitter.com/gravityracer

AASBD Live Webcast From the Big Hill

2010-05-18T23:27:00.004-04:00

Race Driver William has received an unconfirmed report of a live webcast from the events at the 2010 All American Sop Box Derby. Local Champs and teams are encourage to forward team pictures and button art in jpg or gif format to us for posting here!

Good Luck Champs!

Race Driver William.

Follow Us On Twitter Here: http://twitter.com/gravityracer

Akron Derby - May 2010 Rally Update

2010-05-09T12:12:00.004-04:00

Guest Blogger, Derek Fitzgerald, World Record holder, and owner of Zero-Error Racing, has sent us an update straight from the Big Hill, Derby Downs, in Akron, Ohio.

"Its been 15 years since NDR (National Derby Rally) ran on Akron's hill. Debbie Endress was the last director in 1996. Then we were thrown off the hill. Well today we are back on the hill and a rally under our belt. We had 61 entries.The Bartz girls came to down and thru a whipp'n down. Katherine in the stock showed a dominance I have not seen for quite sometime....no one within about .125.....whewwww! Kristine came back from the losers to beat Brooke Wallace of Muncie in SS. We have not seen Brooke for quite sometime. Sammie Howell was 3rd. Cleveland's Nichole Mendise was second in stock. Savannah (Fitzgerald) did a great job and finished 6th. The Hoffman's of Stow were the cream of the crop today.....1st and 2nd in masters!! Julia Castner finished in 3rd from Hubbard Ohio. Katelyn Mattix of Columbus was 4th. We had 61 entries......biggest race I've seen this year."

"Today Todd Garloff and I also met with State Senator Tom Sawyer, Leo Mehl who was inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame because he developed Goodyear race tires and was CEO of the IRL from 2000 to 2005 and with Bill Ginter of the AASBD Executive Board. We spoke of the future of derby and how we can all help it survive. We talked about how we were a customer of the AA and how we could improve the system. We talked about quality of products and what we could do to make it better. I stated my company had a quote in for axles and that Zero Error could deliver a higher quality product that would help the sport. Bill told us that the AASBD was stable and that there were many in Akron that believed in this TRADITION and that it will continue. He stated that he needed the people of derby to work together for the betterment of the sport. We talked about the fact that more events on the hill was the mission. We stated that we hope to return next year if this year is successful."

"I would like to thank Larry Gallimore, Bruce Hunsicker, Ed Harmon, Ann Dyer , Craig Flury,and her Cleveland gang and anyone else I may have missed. What a day...freezing and WINDY!!!"

Hopefully we will have photos from the big weekend in Akron soon!

Ocala Champs On Way to Akron

2010-05-02T21:59:00.000-04:00

Going to Akron

Stock Class (ages 8-13; 200 pound weight): Jessica Guiffre, third grade, Treadway Elementary

Super Stock Class (ages 10-17; 230 pound weight): Joe Menter, sixth grade, Fort King Elementary; sponsored by Silver Springs Shores Kiwanis/Tuskegee Airmen

Masters Class (ages 10-17; 255 pound weight): Chandler Soucey, eighth grade, Fort McCoy Middle School; sponsored by Palm Chevrolet

Rally Champs based on accumulated points: Christopher ”C.J.” Holland, sixth grade, Lake Weir Middle School; Dylan Pujol, sixth grade, Dunnellon Middle School; Dylan Gunn, sixth grade, Dunnellon Middle School

Good Luck in Akron!

Race Driver William

Tons of New Derby Videos

2010-05-02T21:26:00.000-04:00

Tons of New Derby Videos located here Courtesy of the Frank Family Racing Channel on YouTube!.

Nice Job.

Race Driver William

Race Driver William is Live From the SAT

2010-05-01T12:56:00.001-04:00

For Sale - Slightly Used Bobsled

2010-02-22T22:23:00.001-05:00

For Sale - Slightly Used Olympic Bobsleigh

A Perfect Gift For That Special Someone In Your Life

Soap Box Derby Torque Tips

2010-02-22T15:25:00.002-05:00

Soap Box Derby expert, Paul Gale wants you to know this about torque settings on Soap Box Derby Cars:

Torque Wrenches are used to apply inch-pounds and foot-pounds of torque. Torque wrenches are used to torque kingpins. The common range of torque wrenches used in SBD car assembly are 30 to 150 in.-lbs. or 5 to 75 ft.-lbs. Remember, Torque should always be applied slowly and evenly. The more resistance felt when applying torque, the slower torque should be applied. For more accurate torque application, the final torque value being applied should be near the middle of the Torque Screwdriver or Torque Wrench tool’s range. Torque is normally applied to the nut. If torque is applied to the bolt head, the torque value should be increased by 10 percent.

Thanks, Mr. Gale.

Florida Soap Box Derby

Florida All American Soap Box Derby - Wheel Sets

2010-02-18T21:21:00.004-05:00

A frequent question arises on how the wheels for the All American Soap Box Derby are grouped, calibrated, and boxed. According to anonymous volunteer for the big race, the sequence goes like this:

Each wheel is taken out of the box its shipped in. Then gets a sticker put on it with a sequential number, rotation direction and AASBD sticker. If you look at an AA championship wheel, you will see what I'm talking about. The wheel is then run on the calibration table and the information is recorded electronically. The wheels are then placed back in a box and a number is written INSIDE the box. Calibrating 2200 wheels takes four or five volunteers anywhere from 30 -40 hours to complete.

The data from the calibration table is put into a program that matches the wheels up into sets. A few weeks later all of the wheels are laid out in numerical order in the blue barn for ''wheel boxing night''. A volunteer picks up a numbered box and a label. The label has the four wheel numbers of the wheels that are to be put in this box. The wheels numbers are checked to make sure they have been boxed correctly. The box is then put on a skid and wrapped (see photo left above) with shrink wrap. This usually takes about four more hours.

Special Thanks to Guest Blogger "Anonymous Volunteer"

Guest Blogger: Allison Lindsey, Florida Soap Box Derby Racing Weather Extremes

2010-02-14T23:27:00.006-05:00

Racing in soap box derby is usually pretty close to straight down the track but whenever the conditions change everything is different. When summer turns into winter everyone puts on the layers and ski jackets. The kids in the stock and super stock don't have a problem for the most part but for people, like me, in masters it is a whole different story. When you are in masters you don't have a whole lot of room in general, but our shoulders are especially cramped. Just two long-sleeved shirts give me no room to move and bend the body outward. That means that all of us have to layer up before the race and during the race we have to freeze just to fit into the car.

Photos from Guest Blogger: Allison Lindsey

The wind is also a problem. When it is windy the cars get blown all around the track. With a tail wind we pick up speed so it is not as easy to stop the car. When you have a head wind you slow down. When the wind blows from the right or the left of the track only a very experienced or talented driver can keep the car straight and even the best can't do it all of the time. When the wind picks up only the person who keeps it the straightest wins. In the superstock and stock cars if the driver doesn't get down far enough they are blown away even more. When the cold is factored in the stock and super stock drivers get really cold because of the wind.

No one really likes to race in the cold or the wind but as racers we do what we have to do.

Guest Blogger: Allison Lindsey

All-American Soap Box Derby in Sports Illustrated

2010-01-21T12:59:00.004-05:00

Great news for the All-American Soap Box Derby, Sports Illustrated (the largest sports magazine in the world) has posted several Soap Box Derby videos on their website (which is here) for all the world to enjoy; Also, unless you didn’t notice, this is absolutely, super-duper, terrific, fabulous news for the derby!

Be sure to look here for more derby updates!

Sincerely with a flame-job,

Race Driver William.

All American Soap Box Derby Mosaic - 32 Megapixel

2009-12-25T13:09:00.006-05:00

Race Driver William (aka RDW) has a special holiday gift for his readers - a 32 Megapixel Image mosaic of 1441 photographs sent to us from across the country and celebrating 2009 in the All American Soap Box Derby. 15 Photographers from all over the country sent pictures from this year and RDW put them in his magic box and created a huge mosaic celebrating the Derby. Be patient - the images are huge, but worth the wait. Available in three sizes - Small , Medium, and Ginormous!

Here are the Statistics and Free Downloads:

15 Photographers
1441 Photographs
34.9 MegaPixel Image 6000 x 5819 Pixels
7 Hours 50 Minutes to Render

Click Link Below to View in Browser - Right Click and Save As to Download Image :

920 Kilobytes Small

10 Megabytes Medium

18.7 Megabytes Large

2009 All American Soap Box Derby

2009 Top Gun Championship

Torque Mania - Kingpin Bolt Controversy

2009-12-24T09:03:00.004-05:00

Readers have been concerned about the high torque settings discussed this month. Derby Expert Paul Gale continues his discussion about torque mania. The function of all tension bolts, such as the Grade 8 used as a kingpin bolt, is to stretch. They are meant to be stretched. The bolt is elastic up to a point.Applying an appropriate torque to the kingpin nut stretches the bolt a very small amount. When the torque is removed the bolt returns to its original length.

When a SBD car rolls down the hill, the kingpin is subjected to dynamic load which causes the bolt to stretch-and-return to its original shape numerous times. This is called cyclic loading. If the torque and dynamic load are within the acceptable range, the bolt will not deform (stretch) permanently, or break. The optimum torque for a bolt depends upon how the bolt is being used – the application. Torque recommendations by bolt manufactures and retailers are often based upon the assumption that it will be used in a specific application – which is not SBD.

For your further information, I recommend the Zero Products Inc. web site: zerofast.com. This company is a supplier of industrial fasteners and has good technical information. Once at the web site, select Technical Data and then Proper Torque Use. There is a table with recommended torque values. The recommended torque for a 1/4-28 zinc-plated SAE Grade 8 bolt is 16 ft-lbs, or 192 in-lbs. This is not the maximum torque the bolt will withstand. It is the recommend torque for most application.

INFASCO states the torque should be 120 in-lbs and Zero Products states it should be 192 in-lbs. Both are correct depending upon how the bolt is being used (application). Based upon my experience in SBD, tighter is faster – if the driver can control the car and cross-bind is eliminated.

See Stress-Strain Diagram for Grade 8 Bolt for additional information concerning how medium carbon steel behaves under load. Strain-hardening intentionally overloads the bolt in tension so that it stretches permanently. This action causes the bolt to become harder and stronger.

Paul Gale

Jamaican Bobsled Team

2009-12-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

It was a long week for Zero Error and the Jamaican Bobsled Team in Lake Placid, NY. A tribute to the courage of the entire team. USA takes top 2 spots at final race of 2009.

Kingpin Torque Settings - Derby Expert Paul Gale

2009-12-18T20:54:00.008-05:00

Paul Gale Appears as a Guest Courtesy of Our Friends at Zero Error Racing. Grade 8 hex head bolts are designed for use in tension applications. They provide a clamp up force (like using a c-clamp). The 1/4 inch diameter bolt used for SBD kingpins is rated for a maximum torque of 200 inch pounds (16.7 foot pounds).

Torque values are developed based upon the threads being absolutely dry – no lubricant. Any material (plating, liquid, or wax) applied to the bolt threads or nut threads, regardless of viscosity, will significantly alter the actual torque value achieved. A rough estimated of torque value change for the yellow zinc coated bolts used as SBD kingpins would be 50 percent. For example: To achieve the same clamp up force as dry threads with 100 inch pounds of torque, the lubricated threads torque value would be 50 inch pounds. Conversely: if a bolt/nut with lubricated threads is tightened to 100 inch pounds, you have actually tightened the kingpin to 150 inch pounds.

Caution: torque should always be applied slowly to the nut.

Note: If torque is applied to the bolt head, the torque value should be increased 10 percent to achieve the desired value. For example: If you want to apply 100 inch pounds of torque to the kingpin. You would apply 100 inch pounds of torque to the nut or 110 inch pounds of torque to the bolt head.

Individual manufacturers using Grade 8 bolts in assemblies normally develop their own torque values based upon the specific application in which the bolt is being used. These manufacturer recommended torque valves range from 140 to 200 inch pounds. One manufacturer may specify 140 inch pounds while another manufacturer using the very same bolt will specify 180 inch pounds.

The strength of Grade 8 bolts can be increased by strain-hardening the bolt. A properly strain-hardened Grade 8 bolt can withstand 300 inch pounds of torque.

The proper torque for a SBD car kingpin depends upon several factors. The most important of which is driver control. The goal is to give the driver smooth positive control of the steering. If the driver turns the steering wheel, the front axle should immediately turn. Any left/right movement of the steering wheel should result in movement of the front axle.

A test to determine if a car has positive steering is to hold a front wheel with one hand and slowly turn the steering wheel with the other (the car shell should be removed for this test). If the steering wheel turns and you do not feel the front wheel move, the driver does not have positive steering.

Look closely at the steering cable during this test. If the steering wheel is turned and the front axle does not move, you will see the cable tighten and then go slack as the steering wheel is turned left and right.

A balance must be achieved between the front kingpin torque and steering cable tension. To improve the situation, I recommend taking apart the front kingpin assembly, removing any burrs or curled edges on the washers and then lubricating both sides of each washer and both sides of the axle. The lubrication used should be one that is intended for heavy loads such as LPS Magnum Lubricant with PTFE.

My recommendations for the front axle assembly:

1. Flat, smooth and lubricated washers
2. Smooth and lubricated axle
3. Steering cable adjusters made non-functional (adjust steering cable tension using the eyebolt on the front axle)
4. Steering cable tension set at approximately 25 pounds
5. Kingpin torque set at 200 inch pounds minimum to 300 inch pounds maximum
6. Zero cross-bind

My recommendations for the rear axle assembly:

1. Flat and smooth washers
2. Kingpin torque set at 200 inch pounds minimum to 300 inch pounds maximum
3. Zero cross-bind

Paul Gale

Florida Soap Box Derby