Hunstanton Soap Box Derby 2024

On Sunday 22 September the popular Soap box derby returns to the streets of Hunstanton in Norfolk.  In 2023 around 50 home-built karts took part with  karts with karts racing down the streets of Hunstanton on  the first weekend of the Easter school holiday and marked 70 years since the first Soap Box Derby was held in Hunstanton in 1953.

Entries have now opened for Hunstanton’s Soap Box Derby and are limited to just 60 teams. It’s a day packed with family entertainment, a carnival atmosphere and the chance to watch racing through the streets of Hunstanton. This is going to be an Easter ‘eggstravaganza’ with more karts than ever and associated activities taking place in the town supporting the event.

Often described as Hunstanton’s very own whacky races will return on the 22nd September 2024. The event is organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. Construct your hand-built karts and come and join in the fun, racing down Hunstanton’s hilly streets, thrilling the large crowds in attendance. Teams are encouraged from everywhere and everyone – families, businesses, organisations; all of the community.

The course is fast and exciting with challenges to overcome (ramp, chicane and tight corners). Starting by the High Street on Greevegate, it zooms down past the Green and finishes in Beach Terrace Road by the Bandstand.

The course and its start and finish is controlled on the day by King’s Lynn & District Motor Club.

For spectators there will be music and entertainment on the Green, all contributing to a great carnival atmosphere for all the family! There are plenty of outlets nearby the Green and the course to purchase food and refreshments.

Race categories
Choose which category to enter from the four below (note the change of senior ages this year):

Junior
Under 13 (10-12 year olds)
Under 16 (13-15 year olds)
Senior
Adult (16-49 year olds)
Veterans (50+)
NB. All above ages are as on race day.

Prizes
There will be prizes for teams finishing first, second and third in each category and a trophy for the overall winner. There will also be a ‘Concours d’elegance’ award for the best-looking kart.

Entry fees
Senior £25
Junior £20
Provisional race timings
If you’re racing, registration will begin from 9.30am. Scrutineering will take place in the pits on the Upper Green with officials checking all karts for conformity to event rules.

Teams
Teams may consist of up to 4 members in total (including driver or drivers). Karts may accommodate one or two drivers (no more). Team members not driving will push off the kart at the start.

Safety
This is an event with some dangers so drivers and team members must consider these. Drivers MUST wear a helmet and the organisers strongly recommend that this is a full face helmet. Organisers also strongly recommend drivers to wear a gum shield and that legs and arms are fully dressed (ie. no bare legs or arms).

Presentations
The day will conclude with a presentation ceremony once racing has ended and the results have been established.

Event rules
All entrants must read and agree to the event rules and kart specifications. Entrants must construct their karts in line with event specifications covering size, brake systems etc.

Event rules and specifications are available here.

Closing date
Entries will close on 4 September 2024. Limit of 60 entries (in total).

Go here for an entry form.