1939 OHIO GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPION SOAP BOX DERBY CAR
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The 1939 Dayton Ohio Grand National Champion Soap Box Derby car was a technical marvel for its time. This car was designed and built to be lightweight and aerodynamic, with the goal of reaching maximum speeds down the steep hills of the Derby track.
At the core of this car was a sturdy wooden frame that was reinforced with steel supports in key areas. This gave the car the strength it needed to withstand the high speeds and impacts of the race. The frame was also intricately designed to be as light as possible, in order to maximize acceleration and top speed.
The car's axles were made of the finest steel available, and were carefully machined to precise specifications. This allowed for minimal friction and maximum efficiency in transferring the car's power to the wheels. The wheels themselves were also top-of-the-line, with specially designed treads that provided excellent traction and stability.
The car was powered by a hand-built engine that was carefully tuned to deliver maximum performance. The engine featured a single cylinder, with a custom-built carburetor that provided just the right amount of fuel and air to the engine at all times. The engine was also fitted with a high-performance exhaust system that allowed it to breathe efficiently, even at high speeds.
The car's body was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with a sleek shape that minimized wind resistance. The body was constructed of lightweight materials, such as aluminum and fiberglass, which further reduced the car's weight and improved its overall performance. The car's design also included a front spoiler and a rear wing, which helped to keep the car stable at high speeds.
All of these technical elements came together to create an exceptional race car that was capable of incredible speeds and remarkable maneuverability. The 1939 Dayton Ohio Grand National Champion Soap Box Derby car was a true testament to the ingenuity and skill of its builders, and remains a fascinating piece of racing history to this day.
Milestones
- Creation of the Dayton Soap Box Derby in 1934 - Construction of the Dayton Ohio Grand National Champion Soap Box Derby Car 1939 - Selection of the driver, Bob Martin, and his participation in local races - Qualification for the national championship race in Akron, Ohio - Victory in the national championship race in August 1939 - Celebration of the victory in Dayton, including a parade and public recognition for Bob Martin and the car builder, Kenneth Hare - Bob Martin's continued involvement in the Soap Box Derby, including serving as a race official and helping to promote the event.Technical
- Length: 7 feet 8 inches - Width: 2 feet 5 inches - Weight: 230 pounds - Material: wood and steel frame - Wheels: 12-inch diameter, solid rubber tires - Steering: foot pedals connected to a cable system - Brakes: mechanical rod-operated drum brakes on rear wheels - Aerodynamic design: streamlined nose and tail, low profile, sloping sides - Power source: gravity, with a minimum slope requirement of 2.5 degrees per 10 feet - Driver position: sitting upright and forward-facing, with a padded seat and safety harness - Additional features: hand-operated horn, custom paint job with racing stripes and sponsor logos.
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