For those who grew up with Boy Scouts, there is no denying that a winning car qualified the male figure as the ultimate superpower in the Pinewood Derby universe. On Saturday, Sept. 3, competitors get to take derby racing to an exciting new level in the Little Rascals Gravity Gran Prix Soap Box Derby in Payson.

The first race begins at 3 p.m. with weigh-in and inspection at 2 p.m. and a flag ceremony at 2:50 p.m. The race will be held west of Peteetneet School on 500 East.

All participants must register no later than Friday, Sept. 2. The registration fee is $15 per car and $10 for each driver. According to the Lil Rascals officials rules and guidelines, competitors will be divided into three weight classes. The age of the participant is at the discretion of the parent, but here are the suggested guidelines: Colt class: 9-13 years; Mustang class: 13-17 years; Stallion class: 18 years and older. The race is open to everyone, regardless of age or gender. Sponsors are allowed and company names, logos, etc. may be displayed on the cars.

In order to better understand the secrets behind building a fast car, I referred to one of the masters of champion derby cars. As an engineering student at Brigham Young University, Jeremy Wade is now a manufacturing engineer for The Boeing Company in Washington, and he’s the father of twin boys (and certain future winners of their respective Pinewood Derby races).

As part of the 12-man team that competed in the Capstone Project in 2010, Wade and his teammates placed 4th internationally. That experience taught him a thing or two about the nature of speed when your only power is gravity. When constructing a soap box derby car, here are some “do-dos” and “don’t-dos” in the world of kinetic and potential energy.

1. Do pay attention to wheel alignment

Without getting too technical, the straighter the wheels, the smoother the ride. Furthermore, the less friction on the axle during rotation, the faster the wheels will turn. If you want to ensure a competitive car, pay attention to wheel alignment.

2. Do be mindful of weight distribution

When you are competing on a track that begins with a steep incline and finishes on a straightaway, placing weight in the back of the car will optimize potential energy and create a seamless transition from incline to the flatter surface.

3. Don’t load up a standard frame with excess weight

In most cases, adding weight to the car is an afterthought. Unfortunately, most cars haven’t been constructed with a frame that can safely handle 200 to 300 pounds of extra weight. If you know you will be adding weight to the car, make sure the frame is constructed to compensate for that excess, and find a way to secure the weight. Three hundred pounds can quickly turn into 1,000 pounds of blunt force, and your little driver could be sitting right in its path.

4. Do anticipate wrecks

Should the driver (who is often somebody’s child) collide with a tree, a hay bale, or the rear end of the leading car, consider what the driver’s head will be hitting. Make sure the only thing coming in contact with the pint-sized driver’s head is a smooth, cushiony edge.

5. Do allow time for plenty of practice

That’s right — practice. Wade recalled the flawless design of their car made little difference when the driver was unfamiliar with how the car behaved. Make sure your construction schedule allows for plenty of time for the driver to become familiar with how the car rides and turns. The key to a winning time is a straight course. The more control your driver has over the steering wheel, the better the race time.

Come support the Little Rascals Gravity Gran Prix Soap Box Derby during Onion Days. It is certain to be an exciting addition to a longstanding community tradition.

For more information on the Little Rascals Gravity Gran Prix Soap Box Derby, please visit www.derby.leany.com. For more information on the events scheduled for Payson Onion Days 2016, please visit www.paysonutah.org/news_events.oniondays.