Soap Box Derby Rules & Guide

The design, construction and running of each car is intended to be a family event.  The imagination and skill of each “CREW” is limited only be a few standard rules.

The YAMHILL SOAP BOX DERBY rules for boys and girls ages 8 thru 11 are as follows:

The driver’s birthday must fall before or on the day of competition

RULES FOR SAFETY

  • All cars must be equipped with adequate brakes which are easily operated by the driver.

  • The driver must prove operation of brakes before the day of competition.

  • The car must steer by wire, rope, or cable wrapped around the steering shaft with a turn buckle on at lease on end for tension adjustment.

  • The driver must wear at lease a bicycle helmet.

  • The car must have a body cover.

  • The car and driver must not weigh over 200lbs.  If you wish to bring the total weight up the maximum 200lbs, any additional weight MUST BE SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE CAR.

DESIGN

  • The car must not be over 32 inches high.  The axels must not be less than 29 inches or over 36 inches in length.  The car length must not be over 76 inches.

  • The wheels may have sleeve bearings and shall be 12 inches in diameter.

  • No plating or hardening will be permitted on either the wheels or axels, however, buffing and use of grease, oil, and other lubricants are permitted and encouraged.

WEIGH IN AND REGISTRATION

Anyone wishing to participate on DERBY DAYS, must weigh in and register their car and driver Monday through Thursday the week before Derby Days - (July 13-17, 2026) from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Beulah Park. 

No cars will be weighed in after 3:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.

Each participant must:

  • Register

  • Weigh-in

  • Receive a safety inspection

If any additional information is needed, please drop us an email at derbydays.yamhill@gmail.com