| If you're looking to introduce your child to a world of | | | | racing can be great to prepare your child for other |
| excitement, consider pedal car or soapbox racing. | | | | types of racing in the future. |
| Both involve the construction of a small car, powered | | | | Many children have a lot of fun racing their miniature |
| either by pedals or by gravity. If you choose pedal | | | | car. Many cars are designed with sleek lines and |
| racing, your child will pedal the car down the raceway. | | | | detailed paint jobs, reminiscent of 1950's and 1960's |
| If you choose soapbox racing, the car will coast | | | | hot rods and race cars. This streamlined styling can |
| down the track. | | | | help the car be as fast as possible, but it is also a |
| Soapbox cars are completely unpowered, relying on | | | | great stylistic choice. You can paint your car in any |
| aerodynamics to propel them down the course using | | | | color, although classic candy or pearl colors remain |
| gravity. Modern cars can reach speeds of over 30 | | | | the most popular. Bright primary colors have long |
| miles per hour as they speed down the hill. With | | | | been a favorite for pedal vehicles and soapbox |
| soapbox cars, one of the main design considerations | | | | racing. |
| is that the car is lightweight with a streamlined design. | | | | If you've ever dreamed of owning your own custom |
| Pedal cars have a set of pedals for your child to | | | | race car, give your child a chance by building a car or |
| propel the car. These are typically raced by younger | | | | soapbox racing. You can purchase them pre-built, or |
| racers, and do not reach the same speeds as | | | | buy a kit for the fun of doing it yourself. Although |
| soapbox cars. The tracks do not typically involve the | | | | there are some specifications for the design of the |
| steep hills used to start a soapbox derby race. In | | | | car, many aspects are left open to you, making the |
| both types of races, your child is responsible for | | | | cars as varied as the people who design and build |
| steering the car down the course. If you are | | | | them. You can even involve your children in the |
| considering involving your child in soap box derbies, | | | | building process; this can be a great parent-child |
| consider a pedal vehicle to teach your young child the | | | | bonding experience. |
| skills for soapbox racing. Both pedal car and soapbox | | | | |