Soapbox Racer Out of Found Material

Attach the rear wheels, which should be larger than the front wheels. I had to build a structure around the wheel out of wood. Make sure the wheels spin straight.

• Decide on a steering mechanism for the front wheels. This can be accomplished easily by drilling a hole in the middle of a 2-by-4-inch wood block, then connecting the 2-by-4 to the axle and base with a screw. Steer by pushing with your feet on either side of the 2-by-4.
• For my own car I did steer with my feet in some boots I found. The skis were attached with one screw on the front axle, but were not attached in the back. I made some simple tracks with stoppers for stability.

While the point of a soapbox derby is to go fast, it is still important to slow down after the race. A simple piece of wood, screwed to the side of the car, functions as a good hand brake, slowing the car as it drags along the ground.

• Construct a seat back by using a flat piece of wood. Foam packing from computer boxes can provide a good cushion.
• I just screwed down a wooden wheel and used that to sit on.
• We had all kinds of funky seating. My son sat on a skateboard, steered with his feet and used the built-in brakes of the back wheels - a set of roller blades.

• Finally, accessorize! Get creative. Add a spoiler, license plate, roof, umbrella, sail and headlights. Then paint your soapbox car your favorite color.
• In my design I integrated all the design elements in the engineering.
• My students went crazy!!!!