Big Ideas.
Small Wheels.
Your Soapbox.

A soapbox starts with a simple challenge: build a gravity-powered cart, put a driver in it and give the crowd something to cheer. The best starting point is a sensible plan, a strong team and time to test.

This guide takes you through the practical decisions, then adds the costumes, character and music that make your run a performance.

Choose your driver before you design the cart. Their seated position, legroom, view ahead and reach to the controls should shape the build. They also need a clear way out.

Draw a dimensioned sketch. Put the chassis, wheels, steering, brakes and seat on paper before adding the theme. Agree a budget and share out the jobs: engineering, materials, bodywork, costumes and race-day organisation.

Start with a rolling chassis. Secure the wheels and seat, then get the steering and brakes working before decorating. Keep the structure sturdy and as light as practical.

Choose components suited to the driver and the demands of the course. Check wheel and axle retention carefully; ask someone with appropriate engineering experience to review unfamiliar or safety-critical work.

Reused materials can help the budget, but inspect their condition and suitability. Build around the skills your team has, and get help where you need it.

The driver needs to operate the controls comfortably while seated. Check that the steering moves freely and that wheels, clothing and bodywork cannot interfere with it.

Make the braking mechanism part of the original design. Check the whole system before any moving test, and resolve any uncertainty with the event’s technical team.

A space mission. A runaway farmyard. A time machine. A celebration of Burnley. Pick an idea that people can understand in a glance, then carry it through the name, colours, bodywork and costumes.

A few bold details work harder than lots of tiny ones. Keep decorative bodywork light and securely attached, with no loose parts, sharp edges or glass. Leave the controls, wheels and driver’s exit clear.

Measure and weigh the finished cart with its decorations fitted. Discuss tall props with the technical team before you build them.

Arrange controlled testing in a suitable private area, with permission and competent supervision. Begin with stationary checks of the wheels, axles, steering, brakes, seat, bodywork and driver’s exit.

Check braking, steering, stability and clearance under controlled conditions appropriate to the design. Stop if anything feels wrong, fix the problem and repeat the checks after changes or damage. Race day should not be the first time the driver tries the cart.

The event advertises prizes for Best Designed Soapbox and Best Team Costume. Give your team a character the crowd can get behind.

• Choose one clear theme. Connect the cart’s name, design, colours and costumes.
• Make an entrance. Prepare a punchy introduction and, if permitted, a short dance, pose or comic moment.
• Give it a soundtrack. Choose a recognisable, family-friendly passage with a clear start and finish cue.
• Agree the arrangements. Check performance timings, playback format, submission details and music permissions with the organiser.
• Keep the driver free to drive. Costumes and decorations must leave vision, controls, wheels and the exit unobstructed.

These are creative suggestions, not additional race rules or a separate judging scheme.

Plan how you will transport the cart and agree arrival, unloading and parking arrangements. Nominate a pit lead, pack tools and spares, and bring all driver protection, insurance evidence and required consent documents.

A coordinated pit area can extend the theme. Check the event’s space and operating arrangements before planning gazebos, branding or giveaways, and keep access to the cart clear.

Inspection is part of race preparation. Keep checking the cart throughout the event, follow officials’ instructions and withdraw it if it becomes unsafe.