Racing Web Design

By Christopher P Clark

The world of pedal car or soapbox racing is the perfect way to introduce your child to racing in an age-appropriate and relatively safe manner. Pedal cars are often recommended for the youngest racers, while soapbox races take place at higher speeds, and are not recommended for young toddlers, but they are perfect for children just a few years older.

When racing these pedal style cars, you need not worry about your child racing down a track at breakneck speeds in a car they can’t control. Soapbox cars coast down the track, while pedal cars can only go as fast as your child’s feet can pedal them. Though modern, well-constructed cars may hit top speeds of 30 miles per hour when going downhill, many cars stay at speeds much lower than this.

The youngest children, or those under about 5 years old, can get involved in the exciting world of racing in pedal cars. Tracks for these cars are generally constructed to be much flatter than those used by soapbox cars, which rely on gravity for propulsion. On this level track, your young child will learn how to steer the car, how to follow the instructions of a race official, and other important details that will be invaluable later on, whether they move up the levels of racing into actual cars with engines or end up leaving the racing world after their pedaling days are over.

If you and your child decide to become involved in this exciting pastime, your first step is to learn the location of your local competitions and the rules for getting involved. Many competitions outline specifications for the car itself, in addition to the rider, the safety equipment worn, and other considerations. Vintage-styled pedal vehicles, with shiny paint and racing stripes, remain a perennial favorite regardless of the underlying design requirements for the race. As the parent, it is your responsibility to help your child follow these rules. If you fail to follow them, your child may receive the upsetting news that they have been disqualified. Some cars must be built by the rider (and supervised by the parents, of course), while other competitions do allow store-bought cars.

When getting involved in racing, try not to be too competitive. Let these young children have fun, and don’t push them to continue on in the racing world as they grow older (unless they want to, of course!). Pedal car racing is a fun adventure whether they continue on to racing powered cars or not. It is also a valuable lesson in sportsmanship that is best taught to your children while they are as young as possible.

The pedal car racing world is focused mainly on local or regional races which can draw dozens or even hundreds of youngsters. The frequency of these races depends on the interest in pedal toy racing in your area. Some are held as children’s activities at larger racing shows or competitions.

Although pedal toy racing might seem like an American pastime, in reality there are racing groups for kids all over the world. Though there are more competitions in some areas than others, no matter where you are in the world you can get your kids involved in regional races. Your children will love their new car, with its shiny racing stripes and aerodynamic styling, both on the race course and off.

By Andrew Regan

Speed, competition and an enthusiasm for real cars on race tracks: This is what street car racing is all about. But when engines start to rev and the flag waver takes their marks, only one thing radiates from the street car racing enthusiast: pure exhilaration.

Street car racing is irrefutably gaining popularity as a sport; and while it takes its roots from a simpler mode of automobile racing which began in France during the late nineteenth century, it has evolved into a prevalent pastime in countries across the world. The United States, Australia, Brazil, Japan and much of Europe – among countless others – currently rank street car racing as a highly competitive sport.

Traditionally a domain of large, American cars with big block high capacity engines, street car racing on proper race tracks, now thrives with various types of vehicles contending. Recent trends have been towards cars of a lighter frame and hence, greater ‘moveability’. That being said, the sport of street racing has taken many forms. Recent films like ‘The Fast And The Furious’ and ‘Initial D’ have publicised the thrill of ‘drifting’, while drag racing still remains the predominant form of street car racing.

In drag racing, participants start the race from either a ‘dig’ or a ‘roll’ – the first method involving a stationary bumper-to-bumper drag race line up, while the second involves an initial ‘moving’ lineup at about 50 mph. Either way, drag-racing vehicles range from everyday cars to custom ‘dragsters’ built specifically for the purpose of accelerating as fast as mechanically possible.

Different people take an interest in street car racing for many different reasons: some are fascinated by the looks or construction of the vehicles and the motors themselves, while others simply love the thrill of racing, either as a participant or a spectator. Whatever the motives, the street car racing community is a large one – and one which seems destined to grow.

While street racing is largely illegal in most parts of the world today, there are many legitimate motoring events around the world that provide modified street cars or standard road going production cars the opportunity to race against one another or against the clock in well organized events on specifically designed race tracks and which ensure all safety precautions are maintained and appropriate safe racing practices applied.

When it comes to accessing legitimate information on street car racing, today’s motoring enthusiasts have countless resources to turn to. Dotted around the internet there are various online motoring forums [http://www.motoraddicts.com] which function solely to cater for the motoring and street car racing community by indulging and informing this growing group of petrol heads with a variety of interesting features, from blogs and photos to news and information on upcoming events and appropriate racing environments. Information is also easily available regarding all track legal racing and motor clubs in local areas. True motor aficionados can also find information on the technical specifications of cars such as drivability, fuel-economy, on-track performance, engineering or frame design by consulting with other online specialists. With so many different online motoring groups catering for general as well as specific niche subjects, current car enthusiasts are able to connect with other like minded fans that are just as passionate about lean, mean motor vehicles as themselves.

So anyone tempted to get an eyeful of remarkably built vehicles or to experience the sheer thrill of speed and competition by ripping down the drag strip, the street car racing scene is sure to deliver; after all, when the flag comes into sight and the engine begins to rev, there’s no looking back; in fact, there is only one way to go; foot to the floor, full speed ahead.