Get ready for Ilfracombe Round Table's Soap Box Derby 2026, where homemade karts wow the crowds and race for ultimate bragging rights

Welcome to the Ilfracombe Round Table Soap Box Derby 2026!

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day of racing homemade soapbox cars down the hills of Larkstone. Join us on Saturday 22 August 2026 from 11:30 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!

Raising funds for local people affected by a life-limiting illness

We're delighted to announce North Devon Hospice as the chosen charity for the Ilfracombe Soapbox Derby 2026. So by taking part in this event, you will be helping patients and families who are affected by a life-limiting illness such as cancer. Your fundraising efforts and daredevil driving skills will help people get the care they need at the most crucial time in their lives.

Please note that Soapbox Derby is a sponsored fundraising event. Your entry fee just helps towards some of the many major expenses in staging such an occasion. It's your sponsorship that will help those cared for by North Devon Hospice.

By entering a team, you are committing setting up a fundraising page (we recommend Just Giving) and raising a minimum of £100 for North Devon Hospice.

Thank you for showing your support for local people in their hour of need.

Rules and regulations:

1. Scrutineering will take place approximately one month before 22 August 2026 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 11:30am.

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) witha commitment to raise at least £100 for our chosen charity, North Devon Hospice. Your sponsorship will help patients and families get the care they need, while facing a life-limiting illness like cancer.

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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.