Building a Kid's Racer
(Can also be used to build a Modified Racer)

Step 1. After printing and cutting out the template, choose the material you want to use as the base. This example shows 1" x 4" pine (actual size .75" x 3.5". Silly they sell it as a 1" x 4"). Using a thick board allows you to countersink the rocker cover mounting bolts as they will be mounted under the skateboard trucks. Trace the template outline on to the base. Cut the piece of wood or whatever you want to use as your base.

Step 2. Get either new or used skateboard trucks and wheels. The Kid's rules also allow roller skate trucks and wheels. Pictured is a used skateboard that was purchased from Facebook Marketplace for $5. We bought another one for $3, so your racer can be done very cheap. Note the trucks come in different widths. They are all legal in the Kid's and Modified Classes, but they will make a difference on how they mount in/under your rocker cover. With these 7.5" trucks, the wheels will clear the cover body without any modifications.

Step 3. Tape the template on the wooden base. Now it's time to figure out the wheel base that you want. Place the trucks along the center of the template. Set the rocker cover on top of the trucks, lining the front and rear of the cover over the base. Slide the trucks on the template to a position you like. Remove the cover, leaving the trucks.

 Step 4. Before marking the holes, use a straight edge (a piece of paper can be used) to line up the trucks. Mark the outer two holes on each truck.

Step 5. Use an awl or any pointed object to punch the center of the truck holes and the rocker cover mounting bolt holes.

Step 6.  Drill the holes. Note, the bolts for the rocker cover mount are 5/16" x 24".   For this example, we used 1 1/4" long bolts. Countersink the cover mount holes on the truck mounting side with either a bigger drill bit or use a wood chisel. It doesn't have to be pretty as the trucks will cover them.

Step 7. Mount the trucks with the two outer bolts on each. Tighten firmly, but loose enough that you can still slightly move them for alignment. Use your straight edge again and line up the trucks. Tighten the bolts and check the alignment again. Once tight and aligned, drill the other truck holes. Put in the final truck bolts and tighten. Remember that any time you remove the trucks that you will need to re-align them before tightening completely.

 Here it is, your Kid's racer base made with minimal tools and money!

Step 8. The base will fit inside your cover with the mounting bolts going up through the cover holes. You can adjust your cover height with spacers/washers on the cover bolts or be creative.

Now it's ready to paint, decorate, and decide if you want to change the wheels and/or bearings. The rules above have the wheel and bearing requirements.

Add weight if you would like. There is plenty of room to mount it under the base, between the trucks. The total weight for the Kid's class is 7 lbs., and 8 lbs. for the Modified class. Is heavier faster?

Ready to race, minus the kid's personal touches. This was painted with Rust-Oleum primer and paint from aerosol cans (cheap). The wheels (30 mm) and steel bearings were bought off of Ebay for about $25.

Let's Go Racing!

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