by Aaron Coffee » Wed Mar 28, 2012 4:24 pm
I helped my nephew out last year in soap box derby, but looks quite a bit different as his is sanctioned(can't think of the sanctioning bodies right off hand). The sanctioning is kind of a double edge sword as there is only one legal place to buy cars and parts(which means they can basically set their own prices)and also parts can't be over a certain amount of years old(which knocks out used cars)but it also levels the playing field as it takes some of the money out of the equation(it avoids the "those that spend the most money, wins the most" deal out of it). It also kind of stinks that there are only four tracks in our district, the closest one (30 miles away)doesn't get enough cars to earn points, the next nearest is 3 hours away, followed by five miles then the fourth track is one the far end of Nebraska. Took him to a 2 day event in Omaha last fall and with entry fees, motel room and meals it ended up costing me about $400, so I told him we will go this summer when possible, but will be taking the teardrop and camping at the track. The tracks have adult cars(non-competition)and hero cars which are 2-seaters, in which the more seasoned drivers give rides to handicapped children. Seeing them run the hero-cars brought a tear to my eye. I was really surprised when my nephew got into this that I didn't see more of the "soccer parent" mentality, cussing the kid out for not winning, etc.
Sorry about the long post to say, "can't help you out much."
Aaron
If I could shut my brain off, I could save myself alot of time, money and effort.
