Our Course
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge! Our 550-meter course features a thrilling vertical drop of 50 meters, with sections that are steep enough to let you reach speeds of 30-40 mph.
Each soapbox racer will have at least three runs, starting individually at timed intervals, and your best two timed runs will count towards your final score (check the rules for details).
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 (link on the left) 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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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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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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Need to know
Entry Fee
The standard entry fee is £50 for each team entry.
If your cart is driven by two teams this means two entry fees.
The closing date for applications is June 8th 2025.
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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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 8am
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.​