Ilfracombe Round Table Soap Box Derby 2025

Welcome to the Ilfracombe Round Table Soap Box Derby 2025! Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day of racing homemade soapbox cars down the hills of Larkstone. Join us on Sunday 10 August 2025 at 10:00 AM for a day of fun, excitement, and friendly competition.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or a first-timer, this event is perfect for all ages. Bring your family and friends along to cheer you on as you zoom down the track in your creatively designed soapbox car.

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling event in the picturesque setting of Larkstone. Mark your calendars and start building your soapbox car now!

1. Scrutineering will take place approximately one month before 10th August 2025 and again on the day of the event. Full details will be given closer to the time.
2. The Soapbox runs will start at Larkstone lane, Ilfracombe at 11:00am.
3. Timing will be electronic.

4. Teams must assemble in the pits at top of track by 09:30am. This will be followed by the Drivers’ Briefing at 10:00am.
5. Entry fee will be £60 per soapbox (£40 early bird) with recommendation to raise at least £100 for Ilfracombe Round Table. Your sponsorship will help the most needy in the community, as it is distributed to worthy causes and charities which really make a difference.
6. The race is open to all homemade soapboxes, all of which will race against the clock, one at a time. A start ramp will be in use. Once the soapbox has been removed from the circuit the next soapbox competitor will start.
7. All racers will be scored on overall spectacle and performance in their category.
8. The soapbox and all remains must be removed immediately after the soapbox run.
9. Your fastest time will be your result.
10. By taking part in the Ilfracombe Soap Box Race, you will be required to comply with, and be bound by the event rules and regulations and the Kart specification, in particular:
• Ensure that your soapbox is in good working order before attending the event.
• You will accept that by taking part in the event you will understand that soapbox racing can contain certain inherent risks. You will participate entirely at your own risk and accept that the event organisers are not liable for any loss, damage, claim, expense, injury or accidents which may arise as a consequence of negligence. You will remain responsible for your own property and actions.

Ilfracombe Round Table recommends that participants have appropriate sports insurance cover in place. If you do happen to hurt yourself personal sports cover will help cover medical costs and associated costs.

Kart Specification

1. Should not exceed 100kg in weight (not including driver).
2. Should not exceed 1.5m in width.
3. Chassis clearance should not be higher than 30cm from the ground.
4. Wheelbase from front axle to back axle should not exceed 2.5m.
5. Wheel’s diameter should not exceed 67cm.
6. Should not have any mechanical parts to increase its speed (no catapults, pedals, jet or any other engines).
7. Must have a rigid steering system (no ropes).
8. Must have a rear wheel(s) braking system as a minimum.
9. Must have a minimum of three wheels.
10. Must not have any design elements to endanger themselves or the public (i.e. no sharp metal objects, mirrors or glass).
11. The soapbox must have a solid floor.
12. No part of the soapbox must extend beyond the width of the soapbox (no dangerous projections).
13. A soapbox derived from an existing chassis is permitted if it complies with the rules.
14. A soapbox not complying with the above specifications may be allowed to run if it complies with the safety regulations, but it will not be eligible for any of the prizes.

Event Rules

1. Four crew members per team (one must be captain)
2. Maximum of two people in a soapbox at a time (one driver and one passenger)
3. Every driver and passenger must wear a hard-shell helmet and gloves. Please advise us if you need to borrow a helmet.
4. Every driver most be wearing clothing that has long sleeves, long trousers and closed footwear.
5. The racing number assigned by the organisers must be fixed to both sides of your soapbox, visible for all to see.
6. No team will be allowed to compete under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
7. Teams must follow the instructions of the safety officials, marshals and race committee.
8. All members of the team must sign, at scrutiny, a declaration absolving the organisers from any and all responsibility.
9. All 16-17 years old (inclusive) must be always accompanied by a parent or guardian at scrutiny, practice and racing (see disclaimer).
10. It is the responsibility of each team captain to ensure the safety of his/her team. Team captains will be required to sign a declaration to this effect.
11. In all matters relating to the Soapbox Race, the committee’s/Judges’/Timekeeper’s ruling is final.
12. All drivers must be fit and well/healthy with no medical conditions and must not be pregnant.
13. A disclaimer must be signed at scrutineering as seen in the checklist below.