Athens, TN All-American Soap Box Derby

Wednesday July 20, 2011

Akron, Ohio

Today was our second practice run for both drivers followed by some alignment time in the pit area and then wheel selection and one final weigh in and inspection. Sounds easy when I write it. Of course both racers had a 6 AM wake up call so they could be at the track by 7:15. There were heat advisorys today in Akron and we felt like we were in TN. Later today the champs will have their group photo made with all of the other champs and then will be taken in the the Heisman Lodge (yes that Heisman) where they will trade items from home.

Here is Jacob practicing around 7:30 a.m. He is in lane one. The airport can be seen in the background I hope one of the planes does not mistake these big numbers for a runway.

After practice Glenn and Jacob had some align and shine time.

Next final inspection. Note the rod that the inspector on the left is holding. It is pushed through the foam to the floorboard to make sure the height tolerance is correct.

Here Jacob looks for that special set of wheels. Fred Burke used to say to look for the box with the red dot. (Just kidding Akron)

Check those wheels and put them on.

Here is an ultimate speed racer loading on the ramps. Ultimate speed is a division where you can build what you want out of any materials.

Where did the girl go?

Back to normal racing. Here is Morgan in lane two on her practice run.

Morgan and Austin must look suspicious. Have you hidden anything in this car young lady?

And the Derby Princess impresses the judges. Actually Morgan is getting her championship wheels and explaining that it is not her birthday but she is just having fun with the tiara.

Put those championship wheels on carefully. They could be on the car of the next world champion!

Let's put this car in the garage and get ready to race on Saturday. It is like a sauna here and this photo was taken before 10 a.m.

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