Latest Soapbox Racing News

Is "Thrills and Spills" Harming Gravity Racing?

Safe. Simple. Fast. Choose Two.

"Thrills and spills" always pulls in the crowds, but is this really in the best interests of soapbox racing? Red Bull Soapbox has raised the profile of cartie racing, but at what cost? Has it given an expectation of spectacular crashes that is not sustainable in the long term from a health and safety point of view? Given the difficulty events are now having in getting insurance cover, perhaps we should move away from designing courses with obstacles that make them more dangerous?

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Is It Time to Ban Jumps at Soapbox Races?

 An airborne racer at Billericay Soapbox Race 2018
 An airborne racer at Billericay Soapbox Race 2018

A competitor has suffered a fractured vertebrae at the Billericay Soapbox Derby this weekend as a result of landing heavily from a ramp on the course.

 

 "A VOLUNTEER who fractured his back during a soap box derby is hoping others can support him while he is signed off from work.

Billericay Round Table member, Jim Wroe, suffered a fractured vertebrae after a crash at the Billericay Soapbox Derby on Bank Holiday Monday.

Jim will now be in a full body brace for up to two months, and is unable to work – but fortunately there are no signs of permanent nerve damage. The dedicated volunteer works supporting vulnerable young people, but as a result will not receive sick pay, leading to concerns how he will pay his bills and mortgage in the interim.

The accident happened after Jim was racing in the round table’s Round Table Trojan Rabbit, and he landed heavily following a jump."

Basildon, South End, Canvey Echo 21st May

 

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Crazy Jean's Soapbox Race, Tunbridge Wells

Saturday 16th June 2018
Saturday 16th June 2018

 Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race

See https://www.crazyjeansevents.com/  for full details.

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Hawksland Bogie Race

Sunday 8th July 2018
Sunday 8th July 2018

See https://www.facebook.com/groups/HawkslandBogieRace/about/ for details.

Hawksland Bogie Race

 

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How to manage and negate the possibility of personal liability?

soapbox insurance

An email has flooded in to our inbox from a race organiser asking about insurance cover. Do any of the event organisers out there have any advice to share?

"Our event organisers are trying to explore how best to manage and negate the possibility of personal liability in the event of a significant injury claim.
I'd be very interested to know how you have structured the organisation of your event. A there identifiable 'organisers' who take on the responsibility of insurance etc?  One suggestion we have been given is to form a limited company as this could mean only 'the company' is liable rather than particular individuals. Any tips or thoughts about this or simply mentioning what you do would be most appreciated."

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