AVON DASSETT SOAPBOX DERBY

Definitely faster than it looks on paper. Head to head racing that tests a driver's courage especially if its wet

A proper race. Karts go off two at a time down a twisting course in a series of knockout rounds. By virtue of seeding, competitors become progressively more evenly matched as the day goes on. Near photo finishes often happen much to the delight of the spectators. With races for Juniors (7-13) and Seniors, there’s action from 10.30 through to 17.00. The busy recovery drivers certainly earn their beer during the day.

The time of the first run by each kart, undertaken individually, establishes their position in the seeding. The second runs sees the fastest timed soapbox race against the slowest, the second fastest with the second slowest, etc. The winner of each race goes through to the next round. It would be nice to have a form of repêchage giving those eliminated at least another run but there isn’t enough time in the day to allow this.

The start is controlled by a flag marshal. Local legend has it that the left lane is faster but if true it’s probably only a marginal gain. It’s a straight drag of around 150 m down an 8% gradient to the church.

This is where the Juniors start their races from. A right hand bend followed by a left hander. Just before the bends the road becomes steeper (11%) and maybe a prod on the brakes is a wise choice until you are familiar with the course. This is not a place to lose control as the brick walls are very unforgiving. The camber pushes karts to the outside which is overhung by trees. In the wet it’s very slippery and there’s often water flowing left to right across the road.

After the church the course bends right round a long corner. The road begins to flatten out over the 250m to the end. It’s possible to slipstream your opponent down this final section as speeds can get near to 50mph. The finish line used to be outside the Yew Tree pub but now is further up the course due to safety concerns. If you have time, the pub is well worth a visit. Recovery back up the hill is by trailer or tow.