If you're looking to introduce your child to a world of excitement, consider pedal car or soapbox racing. Both involve the construction of a small car, powered either by pedals or by gravity. If you choose pedal racing, your child will pedal the car down the raceway. If you choose soapbox racing, the car will coast down the track.

Soapbox cars are completely unpowered, relying on aerodynamics to propel them down the course using gravity. Modern cars can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour as they speed down the hill. With soapbox cars, one of the main design considerations is that the car is lightweight with a streamlined design.

Pedal cars have a set of pedals for your child to propel the car. These are typically raced by younger racers, and do not reach the same speeds as soapbox cars. The tracks do not typically involve the steep hills used to start a soapbox derby race. In both types of races, your child is responsible for steering the car down the course. If you are considering involving your child in soap box derbies, consider a pedal vehicle to teach your young child the skills for soapbox racing. Both pedal car and soapbox racing can be great to prepare your child for other types of racing in the future.

Many children have a lot of fun racing their miniature car. Many cars are designed with sleek lines and detailed paint jobs, reminiscent of 1950's and 1960's hot rods and race cars. This streamlined styling can help the car be as fast as possible, but it is also a great stylistic choice. You can paint your car in any color, although classic candy or pearl colors remain the most popular. Bright primary colors have long been a favorite for pedal vehicles and soapbox racing.

If you've ever dreamed of owning your own custom race car, give your child a chance by building a car or soapbox racing. You can purchase them pre-built, or buy a kit for the fun of doing it yourself. Although there are some specifications for the design of the car, many aspects are left open to you, making the cars as varied as the people who design and build them. You can even involve your children in the building process; this can be a great parent-child bonding experience.

The Soap Box Derby youth racing program has been run in the United States since 1934. Pedal car racing began soon after, at the height of pedal car popularity. Both versions were especially popular during the 1950's and 1960's. Today, car and soapbox racing competitions are conducted in many local communities, both in the United States and internationally. This can be a fun adventure for many young children, either on their own or as the precursor for other forms of racing. Each year, national championships are also conducted for the local winners. Pedal car racing or soap box derbies can be a great way to introduce your child to the world of racing.