Soapbox Derby

Register for the annual Sauk Centre Soapbox Derby!

Held Sunday, July 19, during Sinclair Lewis Days.
11:00 AM Check-In. 12:00 PM Race!
Sponsored jointly by the Sauk Centre Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Sauk Centre!
Click the button below to register!

Details

WHO:
Cart Racers Of All Ages (subject to change)
  • 5-8 Years of Age
  • 9-11 Years of Age
  • 12-15 Years of Age
  • 16+ Years of Age
WHERE:
  • Start @ 3rd Street North x Ash Street North
  • End @ 3rd Street North x Birch Street North
WHEN:
  • Sunday,  July 19, 2026
  • Check-In @ 11:00 AM
  • Race @ 12:00 PM

Sauk Centre Soapbox Derby Rules

  1. 1. Gotta GO (Power & Design)
    ·        All soapbox derby cars must be powered solely by gravity.
    ·        No form of propulsion is allowed (mechanical, electrical, motors, pedals, stored energy, pushing or pulling).
    ·        Vehicles may not use moving or shifting weights to gain speed.
    ·        All weight must remain fixed and stationary during the race.
    2. Materials & Construction
    ·            No restrictions on size, weight, materials, or design.
    ·        Use screws instead of nails when building with wood.
    ·        Use plenty of wood glue for added strength.
    3. Gotta TURN (Steering)
    ·        Pivot steering is the most common and recommended method.
    ·        Linkage steering is more complex and not recommended.
    ·        Course is straight—avoid overly sharp turning capability.
    ·        Design carts to prevent tipping or flipping.
    4. Gotta STOP (Braking)
    ·        All carts must be able to stop safely.
    ·        Wheel skid pad brakes (recommended).
    ·        Ground skid pad brakes (less effective).
    ·        Caliper brakes (effective if built correctly).
    5. Gotta TOW (Return System)
    ·        Each cart must have a secure hook or attachment point.
    ·        Carts will be towed back using a 4-wheeler.
    6. Gotta BE SAFE (Safety Requirements)
    ·        Helmets are required and must not be altered.
    ·        No helmet = no participation.
    ·        Elbow pads are strongly encouraged.
    ·        Entry form and waiver are required.
    ·        Drivers under 18 need a signed parent/guardian permission form.
    ·        Forms due to James Macey by July 17, 2026.
    7. Identification
    ·        Include a name or number on the cart (recommended).
    ·        Helps identify racers from the top of the hill.
Rotary Club of Sauk Centre (est. 1928)
Sauk Centre

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Minnesota National Bank
131 12th St S
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
United States of America
Phone:
(320) 429-8531
Email:
info@saukcentrerotary.org
Most meetings are held at 12:00 PM on Tuesdays over lunch at Minnesota National Bank in Sauk Centre. We also hold meetings at 4:30 PM over appetizers at a local business. Check our schedule for details: saukcentrerotary.org/page/become-a-speaker/