Known Soapbox Races in the UK and Ireland

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I've compiled a google map of all of the soapbox races I know about in the UK and Ireland. At the moment, I've found 25 nearly 50, mostly through googling for "uk soapbox" and associated terms.

Community soapbox races, by their very nature, tend to be transient events. They typically take place only for about 3 or 4 years. This can make it difficult to keep an up to date map of current races. If you are looking for an upcoming event, check out the soapbox race calendar, which list all the known races in the UK.

Nearly all of the events are community based and focus on fun and themed/novelty carts. There are massive variations in the rules, with one race featuring a water section where the carts have to be rowed !

The map is shown below. If you have any additions, updates, clarifications or corrections please let us know.

For further details on individual events, please click on the markers in the map below. Please note that nearly all of the races are not connected with the SCA in any way. For entry details etc, please contact the race organisers directly.


View UK and Ireland Soapbox Races in a larger map

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scottishcarties's picture

Found a few more races...

I've found a few more races. The list is now up to 36.
scottishcarties | November 5, 2010 - 09:24
scottishcarties's picture

More UK Soapbox races

Found even more now - the list is up to 46! Let me know if there are any more you know about or to correct/clarify/update any details.

It'd be great to see some more races in Scotland, Wales and Northern England. If you're interested in setting one up, get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.

scottishcarties | September 19, 2011 - 11:51

Sharlston Soap Box Derby

Hello, Just wanting to post something about our event on New Years Day.

 www.sharlstonsoapboxderby.co.uk

Happy New Year everyone. 

jazzamy | December 27, 2011 - 21:22
scottishcarties's picture

East Allington Whacky Races

I've heard from the organisers of another race, this time in Devon. East Allington Whacky Races has been running since 2005.

The event comprises a go-kart or soap-box style race through the village of East Allington, with competitors racing time trial style for the prestigous Luscombe Trophy.  A sophisticated timing system will time each of the karts as they race down East Allington’s steep hill, starting at the school, passing the church, the Fortescue Arms and the treacherous Fortescue corner and finishing outside the Village Hall.  There are categories for adults as well as children and a variety of fun prizes.  

The concept is simple and anyone can enter, all you need is a kart. The kart must have 4 wheels, a proper steering system and brakes and be deemed by the event safety advisor as being safe to race.  Competitors must then sign their safety waiver, don their crash helmets and make their way to the top of the hill. The road is transformed into a Silver Stone style race track for the day, with safety barriers, straw bales, advertising banners and bunting lining the route and hundreds of eager spectators cheering the brave racers through the village.

As well as the racing there will be a whole host of stalls and attractions including a bouncy castle, face painting, gladiator style giant cotton bud duels, donkey rides, sports day style races, live music and a feast of food and drinks to keep the crowds sustained throughout the day.

  

scottishcarties | February 9, 2012 - 16:22

New Soapbox Race

Hi everyone, Just want to let you know of a new soapbox race in Pomeroy Co. Tyrone. The course is 1Km long and should be a really good race. This is part of a full community weekend. Please contact us via our website/Facebook for entry of more info
Cathal Mallaghan (not verified) | June 9, 2012 - 11:54
scottishcarties's picture

More UK Soapbox Races...

I've just added a bunch more races;

  • Windmill Hill Soap Box Derby, West Yorkshire
  • Bundoran Lifeboat Soap Box Race, Co. Donegal, Ireland   
  • Brechin City Cartie Race, Angus
  • The Annandale Cup, Aberdeenshire   
  • Worlaby Downhill Challenge, Lincolnshire
  • Thrills on the Hills, Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone
Check out the map at the top of this page...

 

 

scottishcarties | August 31, 2012 - 09:25

Hi, I'd like to either

Hi, I'd like to either join/or make a team in newcastle area.
Andy (not verified) | January 29, 2013 - 19:15
scottishcarties's picture

soapbox racing in newcastle

Hi Andy,

I don't  know any teams or events near Newcastle I'm afraid. Can anyone else out there help? 

scottishcarties | January 30, 2013 - 01:09

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