Arbutus Soap Box Derby Drives Need for Speed

Gunnar Rippee already has the steely nerves of a stock car driver like his father, Rob. A veteran of , the 9-year-old third-grader at Jessup Elementary School brought home an armful of trophies, including, "Most Original Car."

On weekends, father and son have been collaborating on this year's model.

The is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. July 4 at Elm and Oakland roads.

What kind of soap box car will you have in the Arbutus Soap Box Derby? Tell us in comments.

Soap box derby vehicles are powered only by gravity, traveling downhill toward a line of haystacks. All cars have to be steered by a steering wheel, and have brakes.

Cars cannot be more than 72 inches long or 30 inches high, with rubber tires more more than 12 inches across, set at least 30 inches apart on axels at least 40 inches apart. 

Complete details and official rules for the Arbutus Soap Box Derby are .

While Rob Rippee has advanced mechanical and welding experience, building a car doesn't require sophisticated equipment or skills, he said.

"One piece of plywood and four 2X4's will do it," Rippee said.

A search on the Internet leads to a range of ideas and plans for soap box derby cars, as well as places to buy steering kits and wheels, he said.

Rob Rippee began getting involved in the soap box derby about five years ago, helping a cousin living in Arbutus with race cars.

He'll spend about 12 to 15 hours to build Gunnar's car this year, less than half of the time required for last year's car.

"It's something I really enjoy working on," he said. "We spend time together talking about it and working on it."

While solid tires can help a car go faster, the Rippees went with inflated tires for control and safety.

"Solid tires are faster, but if hit a bump the vehicle starts going a little squirrely," Rob said.

Rippee said he is confident that his son will do well in the derby this year, so long as he keeps the car aimed down the end of Elm Road.

Gunnar said that he can't wait to roll the finished car to the starting line. "I like to go fast," he said.