A Soapbox Derby is a racing contest where tiny one-man (or one-woman) cars with no engines, compete against each other. The cars are entirely man- (or woman-) powered.
Rushden’s annual Soapbox Derby was held this year on Sunday 7th June in Hall Park and it was spectacular.
People came from as far away as Cambridge to watch the races and sample the sunshine.
The event started at 1pm, with practice runs down the hill, to let the drivers (and pushers) get used to the track. At 2pm, the racing started in earnest.
Each heat pitched two racers against each other, with the Town Mayor waving them off.
It was a genuine community event. Twelve out of twenty-one Town Councillors were there helping to organise (e.g. marshalling traffic). Members of Rotary Club of Rushden also turned up to help.
Trophies were awarded to the winners, and medals awarded to all those taking part.
The event was sponsored by Kingtools Rushden and Santa Pod Raceway.
Of the teams taking part, Kingtools chose “Rush2theDen Seniors” for their special award.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. Janet Pinnock, chose “A Furry Tail/RSR” for her special award.
The overall winner, Apex Legend, won with a new course record of 17.19 seconds.
