Our Course
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge! Our 550-metre course features a thrilling vertical drop of 50 metres, with sections that are steep enough to let you reach speeds of 30-40 mph.
Each soapbox team will have at least three runs, starting individually at timed intervals,
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the scene, we invite you to experience the adrenaline and excitement of our event. If you haven’t joined us before, be sure to check out our YouTube footage for a sneak peek at the track, conditions, and what to expect. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your skills—sign up now and be part of the action!
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Novelty Carts
There will be a NEW novelty theme for 2026 which will be announced shortly.
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The winner is voted for by the spectators who vote via a chip into our specially design voting booth. Cart receiving the most chips wins £500.
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​Indicate on your entry form that you will enter the novelty cart catergory and we will advise in the next few weeks what the theme is.
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​​REMEMBER - the cart voted best novelty cart on the day will win £500. The run-up novelty cart will win £250.
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Build your Cart
Your cart may be either a 4-wheel or 3-wheel soap box, take a look at our gallery for inspiration of some of the carts which have raced over the years.
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Our team are happy to offer advice when building your cart, see contact details in the course rules.
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Brightly coloured soap boxes, sponsorship and advertising are encouraged. We also appreciate it if the team name is painted onto the soap box.
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All of the specification details are in our Rules and Regulations. Some of the key points to think about:
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• Roll bar - All 4 wheel and heavy 3 wheel soap boxes must be fitted with a substantial roll bar
• Good brakes are essential and will be checked. Braking must be effective to hold the soapbox stationary on the starting ramp which has a gradient of approximately 1 in 8
• Steering - A padded steering wheel/handlebar is
recommended
• Dimensions
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Maximum length 2500mm
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Maximum width 1500mm ​​
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Ground clearance should be sufficient to clear the top and bottom of the starting ramp – 50mm minimum is recommended.​​
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Cart Inspections
All carts must be inspected before racing.
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Inspections will be available on the Saturday Evening – time 6.30pm – 8.00pm.
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Inspections start on Sunday morning from 7.30am
Need to know
Entry Fee
The standard entry fee is £50 for each team entry. The entry fee is NON REFUNDABLE.
If your cart is driven by two teams this means two entry fees.
The closing date for applications is June 8th 2026.
Your entry is not confirmed unrtil we receive payment by BACs
Our bank details are
Richards castle soap box derby
Sort code 30-95-27
00880352
Classes
There are 3 Classes
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Adult - 17 and over (as at the date of the Richards Castle Soap Box Derby)
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Junior - 12 to 16 years old (as at the date of the Richards Castle Soap Box Derby)
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Mixed adult & Junior
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Insurance
We REQUIRE ALL DRIVERS TO HAVE PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE.
This can be obtained for a small fee from https://www.sportscoverdirect.com. Participation will be refused without it.
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Fundraising
Please help us raise that little bit extra! We'll set up a give as a live fundraising page for you - just socialise that with your friends and local community.
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Race Rules
Please download our rules below and read them carefully. ​
These Rules and Regulations apply to all entries. They have been designed for your safety and the safety of others around you, based on best practice, common sense and the experience of previous years.
They enable us to run the event effectively for the maximum benefit of all – please ensure you read them carefully and comply with the details.​