REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

GENERAL TOPICS => Parenting => Topic started by: Nate on April 16, 2018, 10:10:03 PM

Title: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Nate on April 16, 2018, 10:10:03 PM
lets see if this will work a 3rd time for tater!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:09:24 AM
Sorry for the half teasers. Sophie was indoctrinated early into the sport as you can see with her here in her brother's car at 1-1/12 yrs old.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:12:33 AM
Whelp. Looks like it won't let me post the car she chose, let me see if we can do the teardown pics.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:13:16 AM
She would not let me do anything, which is great because I am not about doing the work for the kids and then trying to stick their name on it.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:14:35 AM
I'm going to play with my camera's resolution, I think they are just too big of a file for the site?
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:24:09 AM
one more try. Sorry these are out of order
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:26:17 AM
The pic that won't post is the whole chassis stripped down to the bare wood. Tonight is the build up and hopefully we'll get some good shots that will post. She chose the Shark Car over a pink my little pony car... she's in it to win it.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Nate on April 17, 2018, 10:36:47 AM
looks to be working so far
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Nate on April 17, 2018, 10:37:38 AM
nice job young lady
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 10:48:58 AM
Thanks. She was super focused the whole time and that's saying a lot for a 7 year old with 4 of her friends running around the place.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: TexasRedNeck on April 17, 2018, 02:04:21 PM
Supercool


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on April 17, 2018, 04:36:47 PM
Tate, having them catch the racing bug at such a young age is a slippery and potentially expensive slope!  :likebutton:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 17, 2018, 05:22:13 PM
Tate, having them catch the racing bug at such a young age is a slippery and potentially expensive slope!  :likebutton:

That thought has not escaped me. Once in the LB7 I did a coal rolling burnout, now every time it's just me and her in any car it's, "can we go fast daddy?"
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: JR on April 18, 2018, 12:43:50 AM
Looks like she has a eye for the stuff so far. Do the ears help at all?
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Flyin6 on April 18, 2018, 09:31:07 AM
Really nice Tater!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 18, 2018, 10:41:14 AM
Looks like she has a eye for the stuff so far. Do the ears help at all?
The ears are for speed JR :grin:
Really nice Tater!
Thanks Don. I really hope she sticks with it. We had so much fun with Sam the years he was competing and the super stock cars get to be completely customized by the driver.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on April 18, 2018, 02:35:52 PM
Good to see her taking ownership!  Watch what you start! 

Turned my 13 yr. old loose on her own in a go-cart last l summer and couldn’t catch her until we came up on slow traffic and I’ll be damned if she didn’t shoot the gap on two going into the turn and leave me trapped behind them - she never even lifted! That’s the first time she’s driven anything so I’m pretty much screwed if she ever gets into a race car!

Have fun and tell her my last dirt car was pink and blue - pink goes fast!  LOL -
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Farmer Jon on April 19, 2018, 07:31:06 AM
I always thought that would be a blast to do but we never had any around where I grew up.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 19, 2018, 10:45:08 AM
We're lucky enough to have a pretty sizable community involvement. The local real estate mogul is REALLY into it, like he does it all year as a hobby and has bought an old farm that he's building a dedicated track on for this year. we're very fortunate as this really brings the whole community together. God bless rural America I'm tellin you. food vendors, a car show, and the mayor usually makes an appearance at the opening ceremony. there's historically been an invocation as well, but I haven't been involved for the past 5 years, so I'm not sure if that's still happening. (fingers crossed).
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 20, 2018, 05:17:12 PM
Re-assembly is tedious and a little more "boring" for a 7 year old, but she hung in there just fine. Had a friend from her class doing it with her helped a lot.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on April 20, 2018, 05:31:59 PM
Good to appreciate that sometimes fun requires a bunch of work!  Love the smile-
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 20, 2018, 05:37:44 PM
More
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: wyorunner on April 20, 2018, 05:38:22 PM
So Tate, how does this work? An organization owns all the soapbox cars and then you sign her up, she picks one, then you go through the car? I’ve Never seen a race and know absolutely nothing about it. But it sure is great to see her interested in it, I’m always glad to see kids interested in outside activities vs tv, tablet or phone, which seems to be more common.

Our son likes movies more so than outside activities, and it’s a struggle for me sometimes. Lately we’ve just left the tv off through out the day and he either works with me around the house or finds other messes to make.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 20, 2018, 05:45:45 PM
In our case, which I'm sure is unique, the main sponsor has collected donated cars over the years and has several shipping containers with custom racks to hold the cars and donates them to the cause to get the kids involved. A $25 registration fee and you're off and running. You could buy your own car kit and build yourself, but for the earlier stock classes, and for a first outing, it just makes sense to take advantage of what's being offered. She'll have done twice as much work as a kid with a new car, because she had to strip it down first from complete. we'll turn it back in when she's done, with her signature added to the inside of the body of the kids that have raced before her, and the cycle will continue.

Sophie definitely has her I-pad moments when she's inside, but she'd rather be outside doing something, so we're very lucky there. If the sun and the tide is out, so is she.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: wyorunner on April 20, 2018, 05:47:40 PM
That’s pretty cool. And I love it, if the sun and the TIDE is out, so is she.... not often you hear people say that about there kids, most just focus on the sun!!!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on April 20, 2018, 05:50:20 PM
She's a beach combing fanatic! She has a "smartphone watch" that allows her to call me, mom and brother, and GPS tracks her, so Momma bear is comfortable with her going out on her own, so she takes the dog and is gone for hours sometimes. never have to worry because she calls every 15 min to tell us what she's found of course.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on April 20, 2018, 05:59:08 PM
How cool
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on May 11, 2018, 06:34:38 PM
Final stages have come here gents. She's done it all, and in the pic with the long bar going across the body, she's adjusting the alignment of the rear axle. funny thing is, when we set it up, it was dead center and didn't need to be touched. just worked out so well for her and I'm a pretty proud papa. we'll start practice racing here in the next week or so and I'll get to post some action pics.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on May 11, 2018, 06:36:42 PM
More:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: JR on May 11, 2018, 07:21:25 PM
Last pic is the best!  :likebutton:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on May 11, 2018, 07:41:56 PM
 Sporting the real man sweatshirt - Can’t go wrong with Dairy Queen either!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: KensAuto on May 11, 2018, 07:44:30 PM
Nice pics, and nice hoodie!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Nate on May 11, 2018, 09:47:48 PM
Awesome
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on May 11, 2018, 10:03:53 PM
 :likebutton:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: TexasRedNeck on May 12, 2018, 07:09:59 AM
Great memories!


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on June 27, 2018, 05:54:25 PM
I'm way behind on my pictorial duties. She was interviewed with a couple of her friends by the local news on channel 4
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on June 27, 2018, 05:56:20 PM
She did pretty darn well, stayed focused, but hit the brakes early one time and sat up to check the competition another and wound up taking 16 out of 70. but she's got the bug now, and will be doing some rally races this summer and is looking to come back with a lot more experience next year.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on June 27, 2018, 05:56:47 PM
 :likebutton:

Nice......
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Bob Smith on June 27, 2018, 06:16:59 PM
Good job Sophie....and Dad....Nice you are able to spend the necessary time it takes for this activity, She apricates it I am sure. 
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on June 27, 2018, 06:56:06 PM
Thanks! She was crushing them too, just a little more experience. the car was very fast.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on June 27, 2018, 07:02:35 PM
Awesome update there Tater! 
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: JR on June 27, 2018, 07:26:35 PM
Nice job Sophie and dad!!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Nate on June 27, 2018, 07:48:02 PM
That's awesome right there
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: KensAuto on June 27, 2018, 07:50:58 PM
Very cool!!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Bigdave_185 on June 29, 2018, 12:56:56 AM
So Tate, been watching but would like some help,

What does the foot pedal actually do as for brakes? I see the cable attachment but to do what?

I also noted that the blue device seems to be the steering? But the big spring has me more confused also.

What does the axle rotate on? Bearings?

Do the cables ever pop off of the bearing?

What are the tires made of?

Do they weigh the cars so they are all the same?  Can you put lead weight in your pockets?

With pine wood you have a max weight and the more weight was an advantage.
You can also leave off a tire to create less drag or resistance.

I can’t stop thinking of the blurr on the Little Rascals lol


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: TexasRedNeck on June 29, 2018, 03:17:28 AM
Tate, that's awesome.  She's lit up for sure! 
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on June 29, 2018, 10:14:09 AM
So Tate, been watching but would like some help,

What does the foot pedal actually do as for brakes? I see the cable attachment but to do what?
Foot pedal pulls the cable which collapses the spring, forcing the brake piston down. There's recycled tire tread on the bottom and watching them stop is a hoot as it's a smoke show every time

I also noted that the blue device seems to be the steering? But the big spring has me more confused also.
Main steering and brake system are on the same column

What does the axle rotate on? Bearings?
There is a center king pin and multiple washers. the cables route through the center shaft and pulleys and essentially pull the axle left to right

Do the cables ever pop off of the bearing?
funny you mention it. the last year my son drove, his shoe frayed the cable behind the cable stay and he lost his brakes and slammed into the hay bales at about 20mph that's the only time I've ever seen something like that though

What are the tires made of?
Fiberglass with a solid rubber outer ridge

Do they weigh the cars so they are all the same?  Can you put lead weight in your pockets?
Max weight of car and driver is 200lbs in stock class. weight differential cannot exceed 15+lbs rear over front but like pinewood derby, there are tactics. Load the rear as much as possible and have them lean way forward during weigh in so the differential can be slightly higher without breaking rules

With pine wood you have a max weight and the more weight was an advantage.
You can also leave off a tire to create less drag or resistance.

I can’t stop thinking of the blurr on the Little Rascals lol


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on June 29, 2018, 10:22:23 AM
My marketing department saw some of the pics and wants to get involved. look for a Yukon sponsored car next year with 4.10's and a Grizzly locker! HAHAHAHA! :cheesy:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on June 29, 2018, 10:40:42 AM
My marketing department saw some of the pics and wants to get involved. look for a Yukon sponsored car next year with 4.10's and a Grizzly locker! HAHAHAHA! :cheesy:

That locker will EAT the little bit of rubber on the little wheels!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Flyin6 on July 01, 2018, 04:08:46 PM
Really nice Tater!

Congrats Miss Sophie!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Bigdave_185 on July 01, 2018, 08:35:02 PM
Thanks for the questions answered


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on July 02, 2018, 11:20:17 AM
Anytime Dave. If the boys get into it, just give me a holler. Happy to share tricks.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Bigdave_185 on July 02, 2018, 03:16:03 PM
Oh no, they will get dirt bikes here soon.  Been shopping already


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on August 22, 2018, 01:56:19 PM
Last weekend was a brutal two days of Soapbox Derby Rally racing. It's a points building race, and you can gather enough to go to nationals in OH, but in reality it's just off season practice driving for 90% of the attendees. We had kids come all the way up from OR and CA though, so the draw was there. Sophie made 3 heats in the primary before she went down to consolation and then was throttled by her 1st competitor. We had a great time though and all the driving paid off because she took 3rd on Sunday.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on August 22, 2018, 01:56:53 PM
More..
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: TexasRedNeck on August 22, 2018, 03:15:30 PM
Great work Sophie!!

Is that last pic of the rock that Don would have hit/run over had he been driving the soapbox??


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Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on August 22, 2018, 04:18:56 PM
It was magnetic to the kids, so I'm assuming he'd have hit it dead center
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on August 22, 2018, 04:48:13 PM
 :popcorn:


Great job Sophie, I see a coyote powered mustang in her future!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Flyin6 on August 22, 2018, 05:54:09 PM
:popcorn:


Great job Sophie, I see a coyote powered mustang in her future!
Yea, that "Bullet" replica
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: stlaser on August 22, 2018, 06:21:41 PM
I think it’s spelled bullitt but yeah  :likebutton:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: JR on August 22, 2018, 07:20:55 PM
Nice job Sophie (good job dad)

It was magnetic to the kids, so I'm assuming he'd have hit it dead center

Isn't that the truth!!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Flyin6 on August 23, 2018, 09:15:10 AM
I think it’s spelled bullitt but yeah  :likebutton:
I concede to your correctness!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Flyin6 on August 23, 2018, 09:17:59 AM
...And, Tater...That is one super cool little girl you have there!

BTW, I have one myself

Grand Daughter...

She was walking around the other day talking to people who weren't listening to her

So I asked her, "Jo, doesn't anyone listen to you?"

She answered:

"Pop, you listen to me!"

Don: See: Melted heart!

She is four and already drinks coffee with me!
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on August 23, 2018, 11:02:48 AM
Don, Sophie and I have a cup together on the weekends too. mostly milk and chocolate syrup, but she does like here little coffee here and there. I got her fishing with me the other night and boy did I open a can of worms, (figuratively). I didn't have a rod for here so I broke out my light tackle trout rod/spinning real combo and she figured out how to cast with the bale correctly in 3 tries. the surf perch were all over the place, so we started catch and release for about 2 hrs. she casts straight, and about 30 yards consistently. So I bought her 1st rod and reel combo, a bunch of salmon gear and we have a date Saturday and Sunday morning on the little boat. Hopefully the smoke clears so it's not so nasty out. Looking forward to coffee and fishing with my daughter until soapbox comes around again.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cruizng on August 23, 2018, 02:40:53 PM
Don, Sophie and I have a cup together on the weekends too. mostly milk and chocolate syrup, but she does like here little coffee here and there. I got her fishing with me the other night and boy did I open a can of worms, (figuratively). I didn't have a rod for here so I broke out my light tackle trout rod/spinning real combo and she figured out how to cast with the bale correctly in 3 tries. the surf perch were all over the place, so we started catch and release for about 2 hrs. she casts straight, and about 30 yards consistently. So I bought her 1st rod and reel combo, a bunch of salmon gear and we have a date Saturday and Sunday morning on the little boat. Hopefully the smoke clears so it's not so nasty out. Looking forward to coffee and fishing with my daughter until soapbox comes around again.

Sounds like a perfect weekend!  :likebutton:
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: Bob Smith on August 23, 2018, 04:21:02 PM
Time well spent Tate, for both of you.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: DOOLEY on October 31, 2018, 10:51:10 PM
WHAT BEAUTIFUL KIDS..... YOU WILL DO A GREAT JOB
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on November 01, 2018, 10:28:56 AM
Thank you sir, she's an amazing kid.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: cudakidd53 on November 01, 2018, 09:50:55 PM
Tate, re-reading your August post reminds me of a Trace Atkins song “Just Fishing” I think it’s called. If you haven’t heard it give it a listen.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on November 02, 2018, 10:28:17 AM
That song came out the year after she was born and she fits all the lyrics pretty perfectly. we listen to a lot of music together, whenever we're driving and I like to get her talking about why she likes certain songs and how they make her feel. I have always thought of music as cheap therapy and want her to have an appreciation for it as well.
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on July 03, 2019, 10:41:48 AM
figured i'd just keep this stuff here. she came in 13th of 70 this year at the big show. had a big wreck towards the end that we had nascar pit crew style dads helping me tear it apart and put it back together in the 15 min time limit and she went on to win that heat. No trophy but way proud and a happy racer.

edit: The requisite participation trophy was tossed, by her. "She thought they were dumb if you didn't actually place what was the trophy for"
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: EL TATE on July 03, 2019, 10:50:22 AM
some more shots
Title: Re: Sophies soapbox derby
Post by: TexasRedNeck on July 03, 2019, 11:15:21 AM
Good times.  Glad she’s still enjoying it. Long way from a soap box, they’ve come


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