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Information for Racers

Prove your speed on Windmill Hill in September

Do you have the guts to launch yourself, hell-for-leather down Windmill Hill, in a do-or-die bid to be the Soapbox Hero of Hitchin? If the answe is yes, get your team together and apply online:

Apply Now

  • Places Are Limited

    Only 50 teams will compete in Hitchin’s first ever Soapbox Derby

  • 30th of June

    Deadline to get your application in

  • Entry Fees

    £150 for Private Teams

    £250 for Corporate Teams

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Rules & Regulations

Please carefully read these as they will apply to all teams with no exceptions 

  1. Gravity propulsion only – no motors, pedals, or stored potential energy.
  2. There is no weight limit, but karts will need to be pushed up the hill to start the race so the lighter the better!
  3. Maximum external length: 2.2m. Maximum external width: 1.2m.
  4. Wheels can be of any material and unrestricted diameter but must be contained within the 2.2m x 1.2m maximum dimensions. No protrusions will be allowed outside these dimensions.
  5. Working brakes that affect at least 2 wheels on the same axle must be fitted and tested.
  6. Karts must have effective steering to navigate the route.
  7. Materials that shatter on impact are not permitted.
  8. Kart must carry one or 2 persons, seated, feet facing forward.
  9. No exposed sharp corners will be allowed if considered unsafe.
  10. All items must be securely attached to the kart.
  11. Covers may be attached to the chassis but must be secure upon inspection.
  12. A padded steering wheel is recommended.
  13. No adjustable suspension (e.g., camber, tow, steering, castor, or KPI).
  14. No additional ballast is allowed in the kart.
  15. Where possible, the bodywork and chassis should be constructed from recycled or natural materials.
  16. All karts must be safe. Any kart deemed dangerous to the public or participant will not be allowed to race.
  1. A Team Captain must be appointed (at least 18 years old on the date of the event) to sign the Registration Form (in advance) and Participation Form (on the day).
  2. The Team Captain is responsible for the team’s compliance with all rules and regulations.
  3. There is no limit to the number of people in the construction team, but the total number of race team members is capped at 4 people.
  4. The “Race Team” will consist of 1 or 2 drivers and 1 additional pusher per run. Only 2 drivers are allowed per soapbox.
  5. Any team member can be part of the Race Team, and the composition of the Race Team can change for each run. However, all names and signatures must be provided on the Participation Form at the start of the event.
  6. Any Race Team member under the age of 18 must have written consent from their parent or guardian on the Participation Form.
  7. No changes to the kart after scrutinising, apart from repairs.
  8. Teams are responsible for ongoing risk assessments of their kart and must report any risks to the scrutineers.
  9. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or withdraw any team if the kart or Race Team poses a threat of injury to participants or others.
  1. The drivers must wear a crash helmet with the chinstrap secured. Full-face helmets are recommended. Legs and arms must be covered. The wearing of gloves, along with elbow and knee pads, is compulsory.
  2. The driver must remain seated and facing forward at all times.
  3. The Race Team must follow reasonable instructions from event officials or marshals to ensure safety and smooth event operations, including braking after crossing the finish line.
  1. The Race Team will consist of 1 or 2 drivers and 1 additional pusher per run. These are the only people allowed in the push zone and stop zone.
  2. Teams will be expected to arrive by 7:30am on the day for scrutinising.
  3. Each team will be given a number and races will take place from 10am and 5pm.
  4. Each team is expected to participate in a dance performance at the top of the hill
  5. The driver can change for each run but must remain in the appropriate category (18 years or older).
  6. The “push zone” is at the top of the hill at the start line where pushers can accelerate the kart down the designated area and must release at the designated line. Pushers can follow the kart if needed (a 15-second time penalty will apply for a push restart).
  7. The time will be stopped when the kart crosses the finish line.
  8. After crossing the finish line, drivers must brake, slow down, and enter the Stop Zone before returning to paddocks
  9. The decision of the timekeeper is final.