How to Build a Winning Soapbox Racer

The Bordon Soapbox Race is back in 2025, and it's time to get creative and competitive! Building a winning soapbox car requires a blend of engineering, creativity, and some outside-the-box thinking. Here’s a guide to constructing a race-ready soapbox vehicle, packed with tips from seasoned racers.

1. Start with a Solid Chassis

Your chassis is the backbone of your soapbox racer. Stability is key—whether you use the base of an old lawnmower, trailer, or build your own custom frame. Many racers opt for plywood, which provides a balance between lightweight and structural strength. A flat, stretched-out frame design ensures better balance, giving you more control during sharp turns and steep slopes.

 2. Keep the Bodywork Light (and Sacrificial!)

Your outer bodywork doesn’t have to be indestructible; in fact, parts falling off during the race is fine, as long as it doesn't affect the car’s performance. Use materials like cardboard or polystyrene for a lightweight frame that’s easy to mold into creative shapes. Don’t worry if a part flies off mid-race—sacrificial bodywork is expected!

3. Choose the Right Wheels

The wheels can make or break your race performance. Pram or bicycle wheels may look good but can buckle under pressure. Go for something thicker, like moped or trailer wheels, which provide better stability and are less likely to wobble at high speeds. Investing in durable wheels will help you stay on track, especially on rough terrain.

4. Don’t Forget the Brakes!

Safety first! Your soapbox must have working brakes on at least two wheels, as per race regulations. You can rig up a simple pulley system or repurpose disc brakes from an old bike. If you're in a pinch, even office chair parts can be repurposed into a functioning brake system—just make sure it works!

5. Add Some Suspension

Bouncing over ramps can wreck a soapbox without suspension. If possible, incorporate shocks from old bicycle suspension forks or partner with local businesses to source race-worthy suspension components. Proper suspension absorbs the bumps and improves handling, keeping your racer in one piece.

6. Call in Some Favours

Building a soapbox can be resource-intensive, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to local businesses for sponsorships or donations—maybe a go-kart track has an extra seat, or a fabrication shop can cut chassis parts for you. Stick some logos on the car in exchange for their help.

7. Get Creative with Moving Parts

Innovation sets great soapbox racers apart from the rest. One team built moving pistons out of Red Bull cans using a drill mechanism, which wowed the judges and spectators alike. Think outside the box and create interactive elements to stand out, especially during the pre-race walkthroughs.

8. Ensure Steering Stability

Reliable steering is critical for navigating downhill courses at high speeds. Go-kart steering columns are often repurposed for soapbox cars, but make sure they’re secure and offer just the right amount of sensitivity. Too much movement can make the vehicle unstable, while too little can hinder control.

9. Avoid a Front-End Overload

A common mistake is placing too much weight at the front, which can cause the bodywork to scrape and break at the start ramp. Ensure the front has some ground clearance to absorb small dips or divots where the ramp meets the road.

10. Play to Your Team’s Strengths

Not everyone is a mechanic, but that doesn’t mean your soapbox can’t be awesome. If your team has people skilled in art, design, or welding, focus on what they excel at to build a unique and functional racer. Teams with standout creativity often leave a lasting impression.

11. Find a Theme

Theming your soapbox car adds to the fun and enhances creativity. Whether you choose to race as a zombie hunter, a superhero, or even a giant gas mask, having a narrative can make your build more engaging for spectators and judges alike.

12. Safety First: Keep Well Padded

Even though soapbox races are primarily for fun, accidents can happen. Ensure that the driver is well-padded with appropriate safety gear, like helmets and knee pads. Some themes, like a zombie apocalypse, even work well with protective gear, so find a way to integrate safety into the style.

13. Learn from Your Mistakes

Every race is a learning opportunity. If you’ve competed in soapbox races before, think about what went wrong and what can be improved. In one case, a two-person design led to handling problems, so the team switched to a single-driver setup, improving balance and control.

14. Test, Test, Test!

Never skip a proper test run. Take your soapbox over hills and jumps to ensure the suspension and frame hold up. You don’t want to discover structural weaknesses on race day, so make time for adjustments before the big event.

With these tips, your team will be well on its way to building a creative and competitive soapbox car for the 2025 Bordon Soapbox Race. Happy building, and may the fastest (or most imaginative) car win!