| The world of pedal car or soapbox racing is the | | | | the safety equipment worn, and other considerations. |
| perfect way to introduce your child to racing in an | | | | Vintage-styled pedal vehicles, with shiny paint and |
| age-appropriate and relatively safe manner. Pedal cars | | | | racing stripes, remain a perennial favorite regardless |
| are often recommended for the youngest racers, | | | | of the underlying design requirements for the race. |
| while soapbox races take place at higher speeds, and | | | | As the parent, it is your responsibility to help your |
| are not recommended for young toddlers, but they | | | | child follow these rules. If you fail to follow them, |
| are perfect for children just a few years older. | | | | your child may receive the upsetting news that they |
| When racing these pedal style cars, you need not | | | | have been disqualified. Some cars must be built by |
| worry about your child racing down a track at | | | | the rider (and supervised by the parents, of course), |
| breakneck speeds in a car they can't control. | | | | while other competitions do allow store-bought cars. |
| Soapbox cars coast down the track, while pedal cars | | | | When getting involved in racing, try not to be too |
| can only go as fast as your child's feet can pedal | | | | competitive. Let these young children have fun, and |
| them. Though modern, well-constructed cars may hit | | | | don't push them to continue on in the racing world as |
| top speeds of 30 miles per hour when going downhill, | | | | they grow older (unless they want to, of course!). |
| many cars stay at speeds much lower than this. | | | | Pedal car racing is a fun adventure whether they |
| The youngest children, or those under about 5 years | | | | continue on to racing powered cars or not. It is also |
| old, can get involved in the exciting world of racing in | | | | a valuable lesson in sportsmanship that is best taught |
| pedal cars. Tracks for these cars are generally | | | | to your children while they are as young as possible. |
| constructed to be much flatter than those used by | | | | The pedal car racing world is focused mainly on local |
| soapbox cars, which rely on gravity for propulsion. On | | | | or regional races which can draw dozens or even |
| this level track, your young child will learn how to | | | | hundreds of youngsters. The frequency of these |
| steer the car, how to follow the instructions of a | | | | races depends on the interest in pedal toy racing in |
| race official, and other important details that will be | | | | your area. Some are held as children's activities at |
| invaluable later on, whether they move up the levels | | | | larger racing shows or competitions. |
| of racing into actual cars with engines or end up | | | | Although pedal toy racing might seem like an |
| leaving the racing world after their pedaling days are | | | | American pastime, in reality there are racing groups |
| over. | | | | for kids all over the world. Though there are more |
| If you and your child decide to become involved in | | | | competitions in some areas than others, no matter |
| this exciting pastime, your first step is to learn the | | | | where you are in the world you can get your kids |
| location of your local competitions and the rules for | | | | involved in regional races. Your children will love their |
| getting involved. Many competitions outline | | | | new car, with its shiny racing stripes and aerodynamic |
| specifications for the car itself, in addition to the rider, | | | | styling, both on the race course and off. |