Soapbox racers set for new city centre event

Organisers said they were keen for people to make their carts as "wacky" as they can

Soapbox racers will zoom through Nottingham in their hand-built karts when a new event comes to the city centre next year.

The Super Soapbox Challenge will take place on 10 May 2026, and run from the Brian Clough statue in King Street to the finish line in Old Market Square.

Teams of five can build their own vehicles which will be launched down a ramp before they take on the twisting route.

Winners in categories including speed, originality and team spirit will be presented with their prizes on the balcony of the Council House.

Andrew Pearson, one of the organisers, admitted some "take it very seriously", but he personally enjoys the "wackier" entrants.

About 30 teams are expected to race around the Old Market Square in Nottingham city centre

Mr Pearson said: "The carts can only go as fast as the course allows them, so even though some of the more highly engineered carts are better prepared, it doesn't necessarily mean they will be winners.

"We have eight different prize cups and yes we do have first, second and third fastest.

"There will be prizes for things like the best turned out cart, the best dressed team and character of the day, so we do try and encourage the fun element."

Organisers say they will be aiming for about 30 participants and have already been sent some applications.

Entry for the event, which runs from 11:00 until 17:00 BST, will be free for spectators to attend.

Some of the money made from teams entering the competition will be donated to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance charity.