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Derby Links
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Rules (MS Word)
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Entry
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Derby Back On 11/05/09 The city has agreed to resume the Gravity Gran Prix. Thanks to everyone who worked on petitions and presenting and keeping the heat on. |
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Basic Plans for Building a Car
This is a simple plan for a derby car (click on the image to enlarge).
It shows a good way to do the
steering. You could also run the steering column vertically (see below) then
the cables would come out the same side as they pull on (as opposed to the
opposite side as they do in the below design).
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Salem City Gravity Gran Prix 2008 The Salem City Gravity Gran Prix is open to everyone, regardless of age or gender. Non-residents of Salem City are welcome to participate. Participants must be registered by August 1st. Registration is through Salem City offices. Registration fee is $10 per driver; one set of wheels at $30 includes one driver registration. Every car must have a unique number given upon registering. You may use any number you choose as long as it isn't being used by a car that is already registered. A single car may compete in multiple classes (in the case of multiple children in one family, for example) provided it meets the weight requirements for each class in which it is competing. (All ballast must be bolted or otherwise securely fastened.) Each car may have only one driver per class. Competitors are divided into three weight classes. Suggested ages for the classes are:
Sponsors are allowed and company names, logos, etc. may be displayed on the cars. General InformationRace will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 6:00 pm, just west of Knoll Park on 300 South. Inspection and weigh-in begin at 5:30. Racers are to be completely gravity powered. No starting or propulsion devices of any kind are allowed. Driver must be in a seated position. No head-first configurations are allowed. Reclining to any degree is an acceptable configuration as long as driver visibility is not impaired. Some hints and guidelines for building soap box derby cars are available on the internet. Tips and links are available at Leany.com. Be aware, however, that this event is in no way affiliated with The All-American Soap Box Derby and rules and specifications for those events do not necessarily apply.
Any questions, comments, or requests for clarification should be directed to
Frank Leany at 423-8588 or by e-mail at The objective of this event is to provide fun for everyone regardless of resources. To that end the rules strive to provide maximum safety and fair competition with the fewest requirements possible. In the event of unanticipated situations that may arise, the racing committee reserves the right to maintain the spirit of the rules by passing judgment on items not specifically enumerated in those rules. If you have a question about whether something is appropriate, ask. A phone call now could prevent a disqualification at inspection time. As conditions may arise that require additional clarifications, they will be applied universally to all participants. SafetyAll drivers must wear an approved helmet (DOT, Snell, etc.). Cars should have full bodies including floors to prevent the driver from accidentally contacting the pavement. The vehicle must not have any sharp projections, loose parts or edges that might pose a safety hazard. All ballast must be securely fastened and cannot move, accidentally or with driver intervention, during the race. Anything inside the cockpit that could injure the driver in the event of a crash should be padded. Seat belts are not required. In order to maintain the safety of the event the race committee may impose additional requirements as conditions warrant. Vehicle Specifications
All weight must be bolted or otherwise securely attached. No loose ballast is permitted. Cars may be made of any material. Any metal frame elements that extend beyond the wheels must be properly blunted with a cross bar to prevent piercing in the event of a crash. Sheet metal on the body is okay. Axles and components may be steel. Road clearance must be no less than 3". To clear the ramp the ends of the car must be above a line 20 degrees with horizontal from the wheel ceneterline. The furthest forward point of the car must be no higher than 12" so the starting gate will contact. Car must have 4 wheels and all four wheels must be in contact with the track at all times.
This is a spec wheel event. All racers must run the specified wheels. Wheels are Harbor Freight PN 36054-1VGA, 13" diameter pneumatic tires with integral bearings. Wheels may be purchased from Salem City for $20 per set (which includes registration fee for one driver). Wheels fit on a 5/8" axle. A 5/8" bolt 4-1/2" long is just the right size to go through the hub. Wheels must have some sort of locking arrangement on the nut such as a locknut or an additional nut. Wheels may be trued, balanced, etc, but no material may be removed from the wheels other than that necessary to balance. Wheels may be lubricated, but no modifications to the bearings are allowed. BrakesAll vehicles must be equipped with adequate brakes. The driver must be able to steer while braking. Braking tests will be conducted at the inspection on July 29 to ensure that they are adequate. Cars without adequate brakes will not be allowed to race. Hand brakes are discouraged. Consideration will be made for those with physical disabilities. SteeringSteering must be positively controlled. Driver must be able to steer with one hand if necessary. No rope pull steering is allowed. Foot steering is not allowed. Cable wind steering (a cable is wrapped around a cylinder that pulls on the axle as the shaft is turned) is recommended as an easy way to positively steer. Tiller steering is discouraged, especially if the car is equipped with a hand brake. See attached detail for information on steering. InspectionsA preliminary inspection will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2008, at 6:00 pm in the parking lot by the pond. The purpose of this inspection is to give the participants time to apply any modifications that may be required. Helmets will also be inspected. No one will be allowed to race with a helmet that is not Snell or DOT approved. Bicycle helmets are not allowed. At this inspection each racer will be given a blank scoring card (if you don't already have one). This card is to track your position during the race. Take this home and decorate it with your car number and name and the paint scheme of your car so that it's easily identified with you. You can make a scoring card by cutting poster board to 6" by 22" (the width of poster board). Every racer has to have a card (that's how we know you're in the race). Be sure to pick up your card after the race if you want to keep it as a souvenir. If you don't we'll keep it for you to use next year.Final inspection will be performed on race day. Winning cars in each heat may be inspected after the race to ensure that they meet the spirit of the rules. Race proceduresFinal inspection and weigh-in are at 5:30 the day of the race. Take your signed inspection sheet and scoring card to the recorder who will issue you a name badge certifying you're allowed to race. Cars will be towed up the hill after each race. Please provide an eyebolt or similar provision to attach a tow strack. Follow the instructions of the race steward who will ensure that you are lined up for your next race. Drivers must keep hands and arms inside the body at all times. Any actions that appear to be pushing or propelling the car could result in disqualification from the heat. Any car that leaves its lane during the race may be subject to disqualification. Crowding or other unsportsmanlike driving is not allowed. Racing will be double elimination in heats of 2 cars each with 3 places being awarded in each class. In addition, a People's Choice Award will be given to the car that the spectators vote as their favorite. The format of the race may change as conditions and participation warrant. Parade and Car ShowRacers are invited to participate in the parade on Saturday. Contact Jeff Sly at 3528-5998 to make arrangements for your car to be in the parade. At the end of the parade we set up the cars in the park for display during the festivities. Your car doesn't have to be in the parade to be displayed. Racer's Checklist
Last Revised 3/21/08 Salem City Gravity Gran Prix has no affiliation with The All-American Soap Box Derby
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Registration and Entry Fee due Friday, August 1, 5:00 pm, City Offices, 423-2770