Coming Soon – 1st Annual Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby!
Community, News February 4, 2019Want to be in the Race?
The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby Official Rules as of December 7, 2018
Race Categories
Category 1: Age 7-11
Category 2: Age 12-17
Category 3: Age 18 and over
Category 4: Corporate Race w/driver of any age (7 and over)
Race Registration Fees
Category 1 & 2 race fees shall be $25 per entry which includes: one (1) event shirt
and two (2) pit pass & badges.
Category 3 race fees shall be $35 per entry which includes: one (1) event shirt and
two (2) pit pass & badges.
Category 4 (Corporate races) vehicle fee shall be $150 per vehicle which includes:
two (2) event shirts and two (2) pit pass badges. Also required with entry is a
“prize” or gift card worth $25 or more (to be donated as part of the winning prize
package).
NOTE: Race fees are based on drivers entering the race, not vehicles. This
allows families with one car and multiple children to participate without
building each driver their own car. If drivers using the same car are ever pitted
against each other for any reason, the driver with the lower official registration
number will automatically win (unless they specifically withdraw in favor of
the other driver).
Derby Car Guidelines & Rules:
Driver Safety
All drivers must wear an approved helmet. Additional safety gear may be worn at the
driver’s discretion. NOTE: keep in mind the overall weight limit of the car/driver
Restraints are not mandatory, but are recommended. Please consider the age and
ability of the driver.
Drivers must be in a sitting position with legs facing forward. Drivers may lean back
for aerodynamics, but may not lay head first.
Derby Cars
Drivers are encouraged to be creative and think outside of the box; however, derby
cars should be constructed with SAFETY in mind. While vehicle parts may be new,
used, or recycled from almost any material, they should be structurally sound. All
bolts should have locking washers or nuts to secure them while any sharp edges
should be rounded over.
Derby cars must be completely gravity powered. No other mechanical propulsion is
allowed, i.e. springs, rubber bands, pedals, human propulsion, weighted drives,
engines, or motors of any kind.
Derby cars should be mostly handmade, i.e. you cannot simply use a motor less “go-
kart” frame. No “Power-Wheels” or other commercially made vehicle. If you are
unsure of your selection, please ask a race coordinator before you start or continue
construction on your derby car entry. Officials/Inspectors have the final say.
Derby cars must have a minimum ground clearance of 2.5″ and a maximum of 9″
Derby cars must have a wheel base width min/max of 24″- 40″ and a maximum body
width of 40″.
Derby cars must have a wheel base length min/max of 56″- 80″ and a maximum body
length of 90″.
Derby Car Wheels
Derby cars must have 4 wheels, and must be fixed in a single direction, no casters or
swivels.
Wheels shall have a minimum of .75″ width and a maximum of 6″ width.
Wheels shall have a minimum of 4″ diameter and a maximum of 30”.
Weight Limits
Maximum vehicle/driver weight for Category 1: 225lbs.
Maximum vehicle/driver weight for Category 2: 325lbs.
Maximum vehicle/driver weight for Category 3 & 4: 350lbs
All weights and ballast must be securely fastened to the derby car at its lowest point;
no additional weight can be added to the drivers.
Steering
Derby cars must have a reliable steering mechanism, with stops, to limit the
movement to no more than 25 degrees, or any degree to prevent the wheels from
contacting the body, in either direction.
Braking
All vehicles must have a braking system! All brakes must be friction based. Brakes
can be applied to the tires, the axel or to the ground (or any combination of the three).
Any ground contact system must be rubber soled and cannot damage the ground
surface. Braking systems must be completely controlled by the driver and cannot be a
parachute or anchor system, i.e. nothing can be dragged behind to slow the vehicle
down.
Vehicle Decorations
Name of driver(s) and/or a "racing number" will be allowed on any vehicle. Drivers
are encouraged to decorate their vehicle any way they want with certain exceptions.
Derby cars in Category 1-3 may not advertise for any business. Phone numbers,
websites, social media links or business slogans will not be allowed. A vehicle may
represent a business theme, i.e. if your family business is a grading company; you
could decorate your vehicle as a dump truck or bull dozer (leave off the business
name/logo). If you would like to advertise a business on your car, you must join the
Corporate Class (Category 4).
Exception to Advertising Rules – Category 4 (the Corporate Class) may decorate
their derby car with as much advertising as they’d like and are encouraged to design
and decorate their car with a theme that matches their business. The other exception
to this rule is “Sponsored” cars, which may only have “advertising” items on its
12”x6” license plate. Finally, certain "causes" will be allowed to decorate their
vehicles without joining the Corporate Class. Typically, these are non-profits;
however, please inquire before decorating.
Topics that include politics, guns, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or otherwise controversial
topics WILL NOT BE ALLOWED on any derby car. If you are unsure if your
chosen theme fits this rule, please contact a Derby Car Official. During derby car
check-in and on race day, Derby Car Officials will enforce this at their discretion.
Vehicle Inspections
To maintain fairness, vehicle inspections will occur. All cars must be at the Fannin
County Middle School between 4-7pm on April 26 th , 2019 for inspection (certain
hardships will be considered if you cannot make the time frame but you must contact
a race official). After cars are inspected and pass all requirements, they will be
moved into the school facilities and stored overnight. No modifications can be made
to the cars after a passing inspection, with the exception of safety modifications under
the watch of an inspector/official. Cars failing inspection will be allowed to exit the
facility for modification and allowed to be re-inspected for entry into the race.
On race day, cars may be inspected at ANY time per the direction of an official. At
the end of each category, cars in 1 st through 4 th place will be inspected prior to
announcement of winners and distribution of prizes. Play fair as you and your vehicle
may be disqualified!
If anyone suspects another driver/team of cheating, please address an official
immediately.
The Soap Box Derby Race
Races will be held in a bracket style within each race category (age group); each
bracket winner will be determined in a best “two out of three” runs.
Races will be held on a side by side track with two cars racing against each other.
Cars will be launched from the top of a declined ramp. The ramp stop will rest
against the front most structural piece (typically considered the “bumper” or “grill” of
a car); however, the race will end when the FRONT WHEEL crosses the finish line.
Participants will be assigned a number at the April 26th inspection (in order of check-
in). These numbers will later be drawn (at random) to decide the race brackets. The
lower of the two numbers will have first option of lane choice. Consecutive runs will
switch lanes to determine the best two out of three winners. NOTE: this assigned
number will be your official race number, not the number that may be on the side of
the car.
Derby Car Tune-Ups
We are aware that derby cars may require adjustments and minor repairs during the
race. There will be a designated work area with basic power access. Racers are
encouraged to bring their own power tools and back up supplies. Please do not be
alarmed if an official asks to re-inspect your derby car after you’ve worked on it.
Prizes/Prize Package
Category 1-3: Winners shall receive the following prizes;
1 st Place – $250 cash
2 nd Place – $75 cash
3 rd Place – $25 cash
Category 4: Corporate races shall have ONE winner who receives the “prize
package” (provided from all other corporate racers).
Best of Show: $100 cash! This winner will be decided from a panel consisting of one
member from each of the 5 Executive Sponsors.
Event Shirts & Pit Pass Badges
All drivers are expected to wear their event shirt. Whether they choose to wear the
event shirt above or below safety gear (as long as it does not impede with their safety
gear), is the choice of the driver. Additional event shirts will be available for
$15/each.
Anyone entering into the race car pits (car staging under the overhang on sidewalk)
must display a pit pass badge. This prevents safety issues and minimizes liability and
accidents. Additional pit pass badges will be available (for your driver’s crew) for
$10/each during the event ($5/each after the event ends).
Want to be a sponsor?
Thanks for your consideration in sponsoring this community event! We are The Blue Ridge Soap Box
Derby, a 501c3 organization. With a festival or event almost monthly, there is always something exciting
to do here. However, most of the events are tourist driven and not geared towards kids in particular, so we
set out to change that. The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby was created by locals and is geared towards the
local community, specifically kids and kids at heart. 100% of all profits go back to the Fannin County
School system, specifically the S.T.E.M program (Science.Technology.Engineering.Math). We hope this
will be a great success this year and many more years to come. Here is how YOU can help.The different levels of sponsorships listed have a dollar amount listed for those wishing to contribute monetarily; however, any combination of money and “in kind” services and/or donations will be considered towards the total amount. The sponsor privileges below are a minimum and more perks may be added as the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby (BRSBD) progresses towards the event date. Thank YOU for helping us make this event successful for the citizens of Fannin County, Georgia!
Vehicle Sponsorships: $150 – This special sponsorship is designed to assist those who are unable to
afford the vehicle materials and registration. It will provide both the materials and registration fee for a
participant and includes a 24”x24” sponsor sign displayed in the derby car “pit” area as well as a 12”x6”
sponsor license plate to be displayed on the vehicle. Additional graphics may be displayed on the vehicle
or the driver at the sponsor’s expense. (The sponsor may choose to be anonymous and we will work with
them to design a fitting sign/license plate.)
Executive Level: $1,000 – Executive level sponsors will be provided a 10’x10’ booth space at the event
to use for their own promotional purposes and are the ONLY sponsors allowed to solicit products or
services during the event. A 3’x6’ banner will be provided by the BRSBD and displayed in the most
prominent location. Executive sponsors will have their name prominently displayed in each derby car
“pit” area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the
event announcers. Executive sponsors will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or
announcements and event t-shirts. NOTE: Only 5 Executive Sponsors will be accepted for the event and
will not have “competing services”; for example, if Real Estate Company X is an executive level sponsor,
no other “real estate company” will be accepted as an Executive Sponsor.
Diamond Level: $500 – This level of sponsorship will include 3’x6’ banner will be provided by the
BRSD and displayed at the derby starting area; have their name prominently displayed in each derby car
“pit” area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the
event announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and
event t-shirts.
Platinum Level: $250 – This level of sponsorship will include 2’x4’ banner will be provided by the
BRSD and displayed alongside the track; have their name prominently displayed in each derby car “pit”
area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the event announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-
shirts.
Gold Level: $150 – The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the event
announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-
shirts.
Silver Level: $75 – This level of sponsorship will have their name listed on sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-shirts.
Bronze Level: $25 – This level of sponsorship will have their name listed on sponsor boards and/or
announcements.
We hope you’ll help support this awesome event and remember,
· We are an event for the local community by locals, but all are welcome of course!
· We are a 501 C-3, and volunteer-driven, NO ONE gets paid a dime.
· 100% of all the money raised after the bills are paid goes to the school system, specifically the
STEM program.
· We are working with the Boys and Girls Club to allow them to race for free (I’ll be building extra
cars for them)
· We’re also working on a getting Special Needs group together. They will be riding in tandem cars
with a driver, so they can experience the race as well.
· We will be reaching out to all of the surrounding Chamber of Commerce and school systems in
order to make it as big of an event as possible.
· It’s just going to be fun!
PLEASE contact Mike Sullivan (919-273-8315, [email protected]) or Brian
Higgins (706-455-9829, [email protected]) to become a sponsor.
News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Business, Community May 2, 2018
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Andrew Seitz FFA Proficiency Winner
Rebel's Corner March 21, 2018Andrew Seitz Wins Area Proficiency Award
Andrew Seitz, of the Fannin County FFA, recently won the Area 1 FFA Proficiency Award in the area of Agricultural sales for his work on tying fly fishing flies. Andrew Seitz is the son of Stephen and Connie Seitz of Suches, Georgia and a sophomore at Fannin County High School.
For the past two years, Andrew has taught himself how to make fly fishing flies to use when trout fishing. He has recently started his own business of selling the fly fishing flies to local customers. He currently makes all types of flies but specializes in nymphs creating many varieties with elk and buffalo hair. In order to receive the proficiency award, Andrew had to fill out paperwork regarding his inventory, record keeping skills, profit or loss sheet, objectives and outcomes, and resume.
Not only did Andrew win the area 1 but he was also a state finalist. He will now advance to the state competition held in Macon, Georgia on April 27, 3018. Here, he will be interviewed by a panel of judges regarding his proficiency application. He will finish in the top three among the state and will walk across the stage at the state convention and be recognized for his accomplishments. A first place win at the state level would advance him to the national competition held in conjunction with the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October.
FFA is a national organization of over 600,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Cherie White is the Fannin County FFA advisor. The Proficiency awards are sponsored by the Georgia Development Authority as a special project of the Georgia FFA Foundation.
Pictured above are some of the fly’s that Andrew has made.
A nymph made by Andrew Seitz.
Andrew Seitz working with his vise to make flys.
FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Women 40-64 at Fannin County Health Department
Announcements, Health, Lifestyle March 9, 2018FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Women 40-64 at Fannin County Health Dept!
Blue Ridge (GA) – FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and is provided to eligible women ages 40 to 64 at the Fannin County Health Department.
“Early detection is critical,” said Catherine Knight, RN, Fannin County Nurse Manager.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States and in Georgia, but when found earlier, it is more likely to be treated successfully and women are surviving longer with breast cancer. Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. However, in the past 40 years, the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths from cervical cancer have decreased significantly. This decline is largely due to many women getting regular Pap tests, which can find cervical pre-cancer before it turns into cancer.
These free Breast and Cervical Cancer screening services are available at the Fannin County Health Department for women who are Georgia residents ages 40 to 64 with limited income and limited or no health insurance:
- Clinical Breast Examination
- Mammogram
- Pap test
- Referrals to treatment through the Women’s Health Medicaid Program
All women who qualify are urged to call the Fannin County Health Department to make an appointment for Free Breast and Cervical Cancer screening at (706) 632-3023 right away! The health department is located at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge.
News from Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Business, Community April 4, 2018
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Candidate Nathan Fitts – Why Infrastructure needs to be a Priority in the City of Blue Ridge
Politics September 23, 2017I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when Irma came through Blue Ridge doing relatively little damage. But, what if it had lived up to all the dire predictions? Would the city have been ready?
We know that our emergency management team works hard to ensure readiness when needed. You may have seen them performing practice drills that encompass a variety of possible disaster situations. It is comforting to know we have a fine group of men and women at the ready when we need them.
But, is our city infrastructure ready for the next disaster? We have seen the flooding on Ada Street and on W. Main Street after it rains. One can only imagine the damage that would be done to property in the event of a major weather event. And how difficult would it be for our emergency responders to get to people in need if the roads are impassable?
If elected, one of my first priorities will be to address our outdated infrastructure. We need to know what, where, and why we are having these issues.
Once we have answered those questions, we move on to how we are going to remedy the situation. These are hard questions that will require hard answers, and elected officials that are willing to tackle these issues.
Our city is beautiful, indeed. We have lovely public spaces, a fine playground, a renovated train depot. Our newly completed downtown streetscape makes our city even more tourist friendly. All these are reasons that Blue Ridge is included in so many “best of” articles.
But, it won’t matter how beautiful our city looks if it is not built on a sound infrastructure. We must address this issue now, or pay the consequences later.
Your vote for me will be a vote for someone not afraid to tackle the tough issues!
Fannin Falls to East Hall in Offensive Shoot-Out, 36-50
Uncategorized November 2, 2015East Hall won the toss and was able to score quick on a deep pass to go up, 7-0 less than a minute into the game. Fannin responded the next drive scoring a touchdown. The Vikings and the Rebels would continue the first quarter swapping licks and points. With the score 14-7 East Hall and 2:36 left in the first quarter B.Davis found C.Earls on a 57 yard touchdown pass to tie things up at, 14-14 to end the first.
The second quarter was much like the first, a lot of offense and not much defense. The Rebels managed to score first and was successful on a two-point conversion after D.Archie found the end zone from 7 yards out bring the score to, 22-14. The very next drive East Hall duplicated Fannin to tie it up at, 22 a piece. J.Reece caught a 24 yard pass for a touchdown and increased Fannins lead, but the Vikings with 43.6 seconds left in the first half found away to get points and after two quarter and 572 yards and 48 points later things were tied at, 29-29.
The second half of play was a lot different than the first for Fannin. The defense was able to hold the Vikings better, but the offense was unable to protect Davis and make the holes needed for backs. Unable to move the ball or score like the first half, the Rebels defense seen more action and was wore down by the Vikings. Giving up 21 unanswered points, the Vikings controlled the third and fourth quarters. Although J.Roper found the end zone to start things off on a 3-yard run, that would be it for the Rebel’s offense. The Viking ran and threw their way to a victory over the Rebels, 50-36.
Next up for Fannin is Senior Night at Rebels Stadium this Friday at 7:30 pm. They will face a Franklin Lion team that has had success this year and looking to finish in the top three in the region. Fannin in a 3-way tie for fourth place. Now, with that said, the Rebels are in a very tricky situation in 7-AAA. Fannin, West Hall and Banks all sit at 2-3 and tied for fourth place, but both West Hall and Banks have wins over the Reb’s. Now, with this week’s games, all this could change depending on who wins and who losses. The way i see this is, if Fannin beats Franklin and Banks and West Hall lose, Fannin could see a playoff spot, but if the latter happens this could be the last game for the Rebels.
Fannin QB Brad Davis eclipsed 2,000 yards passing this year, 16 touchdowns and averages 241.9 yards per game. Davis was lights out in the first half of play, but the offensive line seemed to be tired and lacking in the second half. The Vikings pass rush was to much for a tired Rebel line and didn’t allow Davis time to set-up the passing game while they stifled the run game in the second half. Davis was 17-25 for 216 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT and rushed for 11 yards.
This week I am going to showcase a couple seniors, as this is senior week at Fannin High School. These seniors have seen both wins and losses on the Rebels team and are some of the most talented on the Rebels football roster. This is just a few as this Rebels team is full of talented players, freshman to varsity, they will have many years of talent to pick from.
Since the injury in week two to senior defensive back Jerod Petty, the rebels looked elsewhere for leadership on the field. Well, they found it in Senior Jack Roper. Roper has had as good a season as any high school player or coach could ask for. Averaging 7.3 tackles per game, Jack has 49 solo tackles, 66 total with assists and that’s just on the defense. On offense he has been a huge playmaker as well. He has 12 touchdowns on 80 carries and averages 6.1 yards per carry with 485 total yards. He has one 100+ yard game this season. He is a hard hitter on defense and runs the hard yards when Coach Pavao needs him. Roper, like Dakota Archie, runs through the defenders and makes them pay every time they try and tackle him. If there was anyone who has stepped up this year and filled the gap and void of the Petty loss it would be Jack Roper.
Dakota Archie is also another player whom i would say has taken up the leadership role and helped build this Fannin team this year. In the three games he has started in the backfield this year, he has 84 carries and 387 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. All three games have been 100+ yard games and has found the end zone three times. He has 10 catches for 78 yards on the season. Defensively he has also impacted the team, 29 solo tackles, 55 total including assists, averaging 6.1 tackles per game and 2 interceptions.
Daniel Kinser, Dylan Usry and Jean Zamora are a huge part of the Rebels defensive line. Although I don’t have many stats on these seniors, these men will be hard to replace on next years roster. Without them the Rebels would be in a much different place in this tough region.
Christian Resendiz, Adam Ingram, Dylan Frank, Tyler Jones, Hunter Neal, Dominik Leben and Jerod Petty are the sole remaining seniors on this years Rebels team. These young men make up what Rebel Pride and Rebel Football is all about. Both on the field and off, these men led the way for a young team and helped define what winning and being a Rebel is all about. They have paved the way for a new era in Rebel Football and along with Coach Pavao and staff have given us fans something to be proud of.
Full Stats From East Hall Game Click Here
FCHS & Taco Bell Team Up for Graduation Rates
Rebel's Corner December 31, 2013With a demand for educated employees increasing, Taco Bell has created the Taco Bell Commit to Graduate Challenge. Fannin County High school is one of the 1,000 schools nationwide to participate in this challenge. (more…)