Lancashire’s only Soapbox Challenge of 2026 brings thousands to Accrington for spectacular day of racing
Accrington town centre was transformed into
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Applications for the 2027 Soapbox now open:
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
- Every team must have insurance to cover injury and damages, with evidence.
- Driver must be aged 8 minimum to take part in the Individuals, Family and Friends or Under 12’s category or the Charities and Community Groups category.
- Drivers must be over the age of 14 to take part in the Business category.
- Anyone under the age of 16 must have parental permission.
- Soapboxes can be entered into more than one competition race.
- Up to 8 persons per team with one driver per race entered.
- Soapboxes will be inspected for loose ends or sharp edges prior to racing.
- Scrutineer’s decision is final.
- Teams are responsible for ongoing risk assessments before and during the event and, if at any point their Soapbox vehicle becomes unsafe for use, they must withdraw from competition.
- All drivers must wear a helmet.
- Drivers must be covered – long sleeved tops and long trousers are compulsory.
- Drivers must remain seated at all times, failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- The organisers have the right to refuse entry or withdraw entry of any kart or driver if in their opinion they pose a threat of injury either to themselves or others.
- Trophies will be given to overall winners.
- Novelty prizes will be given for Best Designed Soapbox and Best Team Costume.
- Competition entry number must be displayed on the soapbox vehicle
For Soapbox Race specific personal liability insurance with a notable company from just £9.70, please call 01494 484800 or visit:
https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/soap-box-racing-insurance/#sports-accident-insurance
YOUR SOAPBOX:
- Dimensions & weight
- Maximum overall length: 2.5m
- Maximum overall width: 1.5m
- Maximum overall height: 1.5m
- Maximum weight: 100kg for the soapbox alone, excluding the driver
- No additional ballast or loose weights are permitted
- Minimum ground clearance: 10cm
- Any decorative elements must remain within the maximum dimensions and be securely attached
-
Brakes
- Must have an effective mechanical braking system.
- Brakes must operate on a minimum of two wheels.
- Brakes must be capable of holding the fully laden cart stationary on the start ramp.
- Braking using the driver’s hands or feet against the road surface is not permitted.
Steering
- Must have positive mechanical steering control.
- Steering must have no excessive play or movement.
- The cart must be capable of safely negotiating the full course.
Driver Protection
- A suitable helmet and gloves must be worn at all times when racing.
- Long sleeves and full-length trousers are compulsory.
- Full-face helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are strongly recommended.
- Arms and legs must be protected from wheels and moving components.
Driver Position & Seat
- Drivers must be seated and facing forward.
- The seat must be securely fixed to the chassis.
- The driver must be able to operate the steering and brakes safely from the seated position.
- No part of the driver’s body should interfere with wheels, steering or braking components.
Protrusions & Construction
- No sharp edges, exposed fixings or dangerous protrusions are permitted.
- Steering columns, brake levers and other components must not present a puncture or impalement risk.
- All bodywork, decorations and components must be securely attached.
Scrutineering
- All carts must pass a safety inspection before being permitted to race.
- Organisers may refuse entry to any cart considered unsafe or unsuitable.
- Passing scrutineering does not guarantee the safety of a cart or transfer responsibility for its construction or operation to the event organisers.
- The driver/team remains responsible for ensuring their cart is safe and suitable for racing.
Become a Sponsor
The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge offers businesses and organisations a unique opportunity to align their brand with one of Accrington’s most exciting events. With thousands of spectators expected to line Blackburn Road and engage with the event throughout the day, sponsors will benefit from extensive visibility, community engagement, and positive brand exposure.
Whether you are a local business looking to support a major community event or a larger organisation seeking prominent brand recognition, we have a range of sponsorship opportunities available to suit all budgets.
Talk to Zahida on WhatsApp about our Sponsorship Opportunities:
🥇 GOLD SPONSORS
Package Price: £10,000
Our premier sponsorship package provides maximum exposure before, during, and after the event.
Gold Sponsors will receive headline branding across event marketing, prominent on-site presence, digital promotion, and recognition as a key partner of the Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge.
🥈 SILVER SPONSORS
Package Price: £5,000
A high-profile sponsorship package offering excellent brand visibility across event promotional materials, event-day signage, social media activity, and event communications.
🥉BRONZE SPONSORS
Package Price: £2,500
An affordable way to support the event whilst gaining valuable exposure to spectators, participants, and the wider Accrington community.
🪧BANNER SPONSORS
Package Price: £200
Position your branding directly alongside the racecourse where thousands of spectators will see your business throughout the day.
Includes:
- Roadside banner position along the race route
- Brand visibility throughout the event
- Inclusion on the event website sponsor page
🏎️ MAIN PIT SPONSORS
Package Price: £2,500
Become the exclusive sponsor of the team’s pit and preparation area, one of the busiest locations at the event where competitors, crew members, media, and spectators gather throughout the day.
Includes:
- Naming rights to the Pit Area
- Prominent branding within the pit zone
- Recognition across event communications
- Social media acknowledgement
🏁 FLAG SPONSORS
Package Price: £1,500
Sponsor the official race flags used throughout the event and enjoy visibility at key race moments, including starts, finishes, and course operations.
Includes:
- Branding on official event flags
- Sponsor recognition in event programme
- Social media mentions
🚦 START LINE SPONSORS
Package Price: £2,500
Put your brand at the heart of the action by becoming the exclusive sponsor of the Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge start line. Every Competitor’s race begins here, giving your business outstanding visibility throughout the event.
Includes:
- Exclusive naming rights to the Start Line
- Prominent branding around the start area
- Sponsor recognition in race announcements
- Inclusion across event communications
- Website and social media acknowledgement
🏁 FINISH LINE SPONSORS
Package Price: £2,500
Capture the excitement as competitors cross the line by becoming the exclusive sponsor of the Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge finish line.
Your branding will feature at one of the course’s most exciting and highly photographed locations.
Includes:
- Exclusive naming rights to the Finish Line
- Prominent branding around the finish area
- Sponsor recognition during race announcements
- Visibility in event photography and media coverage
- Website and social media acknowledgement
🏆 PODIUM SPONSORS
Package Price: £1,500
Associate your business with the excitement of victory by sponsoring the winners’ podium and prize-giving ceremony.
Includes:
- Branding around the podium area
- Presentation opportunities during prize giving
- Photographic exposure in event media coverage
- Recognition throughout awards announcements
🛍️ GIVEAWAY SPONSORS
Package Price: £2,500
Put your brand directly into the hands of event visitors by sponsoring event giveaways, promotional merchandise, or participant packs.
Includes:
- Branding on giveaway items
- Sponsor recognition across promotional materials
- Opportunity to provide branded merchandise











