How to Buy Wheels for a Soap Box Car

The types of wheels used on soap box derby cars have changed significantly since the first racers coasted down that hill in Ohio in 1934. Buying the appropriate wheels for your soap box car will result in more stable handling and steering, not to mention an improvement in aerodynamics.

Decide what type of wheels and accessories you are going to need for your soap box derby car. Generally, the All-American Soap Box Derby organization that runs the events in the Unites States recommends Z-glas wheels for all soap box racers. You can choose between a set of four regular Z-glas wheels or a set of black Z-glas wheels which come completely assembled and ready to mount onto the spindles of your car.

Buy wheels for your soap box car directly from the All-American Soap Box Derby. The organization accepts both Visa and MasterCard for payments.

Log on to the official website of the All-American Soap Box Derby to buy your Z-glas wheels and all pertinent wheel accessories (see Resources below). On the website, you will also be able to buy entire car kits and can familiarize yourself with all of the rules and regulations concerning soap box derby racing.

Consider buying a package of set-up wheels which can help you while you are preparing your soap box car for racing. Set-up wheels are inexpensive, lightweight plastic wheels that can be quickly installed on your car while you are cleaning and lubricating the actual racing wheels prior to a race.

Purchase an additional wheel parts bag, which consists of extra washers and pin clips that are used to mount the wheels onto the spindles. It's important to have extra washers and pins available, since they are often lost or damaged during races.

Purchase an extra set of Z-glas wheels in case one of your wheels is damaged or lost during a race. Many soap box racers prefer to buy one set of regular Z-glas wheels and one set of black wheels for a slightly different look for the car.