(Video by Don Joyce)
Tamworth Annual 2026 Soap Box Derby Summary
The Annual Tamworth Soap Box Derby is Back Again!
The Tamworth Canada Day Soap Box Derby will run again this year on Bridge Street West.
It is a fun filled afternoon of kids (and older ’kids’) in three age categories, where they run their home built carts down a hill course to the finish line. Each contestant will get at least two runs down the course in the competition, racing against another person in the same age category. Races are open to all ages 6 to 96. The three age categories are: 6 to 10 years; 11 to 15 years and 16 years and up. The rules and specifications are quite simple, along with the safety factors that one must adhere to. For example: Carts are to be 5ft to 7 ft long, have 4 wheels (the bottom of the cart cannot be more than 10 inches from the road and not less than 6 inches); each wheel must be held in place with a nut or cotter pin; the axles cannot be more than 36 inches in width; it must have steering that is limited to max 1 ½ inches travel in either direction, and must have a brake to make the cart stop at the end of the course -once it passes the finish line.
Other factors are: that your parent must sign the waiver on the entry registration form (if you are under 18 years old), and you must wear a helmet (bicycle, hockey, skidoo, ATV helmets will do) and you must wear closed toed shoes when racing the cart. More description, registration form, contact info, rules and other finer points can be read on the Tamworth.ca website under events. www.tamworth.ca/events
After the races and the awards are complete, you may have your cart in the Tamworth Canada Day parade! Last year we had race entries from Belleville, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Tweed, Napanee, Newburgh, Erinsville, Yarker and of course Tamworth. We had 53 cart and driver entries last year and there were about 350+ spectators and cheering families along the sidelines. It’s always great to have new families come out to the festivities, activities, and later, to the kids events and fireworks at the ball diamond!
If you don’t have a cart, we have a few spare carts that you may borrow for your race, (but please mention this at the registration table)
This event was originally begun to get kids and their families, parents/guardians working together to build a soap box race cart, to help build family and sibling relationships, and to race in an annual community event. They can modify the cart each year and re-enter every year into this and other Soap Box races. It is a family fun way to spend the day on Canada Day! Come out, bring family and friends, a lawn chair and be part of the fun!!
Let’s hope for good weather!!! Come on out and cheer on the racers!!!!
Pre registration complete the registration form and forward to bert.korporaal@gmail.com
OR print the registration form, bring it to the top of the race hill the morning of July 1st
REGISTRATION
For those who wish to pre-register, you may do so by downloading the Registration Form, click on ‘enable editing’ and fill it out, save it and then send it to: bert.korporaal@gmail.comOR you may just bring the completed signed form to the Registration Table the morning of the Races.
By registering early we can determine how many drivers will be competing in each class. Please be there early so we will be able to start on time around11:00 am. Registration will be from9:30to 11:00 am at the top of the hill at the intersection of Neeley Street. We will try to get in some test runs down the hill before the races start. All cars will be inspected prior to the races. Please be there well before the races begin. Photos of cars & drivers may be taken at the top of the hill behind the registration table before the races. We will try to have a practice run around 10 am to 11 am
On site registration on the day of the Soap Box Derby please register or bring your completed form with you, with your parent’s signature on it, to the Registration table. Check In –Every driver and racer parent must check in at the registration table.
We are all looking forward to seeing all of the area kids at the event, from far and near!
VOLUNTEERS
We need volunteers to make this happen again. Set up and take down are the most labor intensive, so if you can spare an hour – either in the morning or afternoon please let us know. We will be in need of volunteers at the soap box derby for:
- set up and take down of barriers, tires, signs, tables, FINISH banner, etc.
- moving tires, the start ramps and equipment to the race location
- chalk marking the race course center line and Finish line
- placement and removal of traffic cones and tires – for safety
- 2 people to inspect race carts before the races
- 3 ‘Car Catchers” – 3 people to catch carts at the bottom of the hill
- 2 or 3timers at the bottom of the hill at finish line
- helping racers push soap box carts back up the hill
- at the end of races: take down of the race course, tires, tables, signs, barriers
If you would like to volunteer for this event, please email us as well. Thank you!! !
Volunteers will be needed at the race site at 7:30 am to 9:30and again around 3:00 to4:00 pm.to help take it all down and move equipment up to the Township Garage
Questions? Like to Volunteer?? Students need Volunteer Hours??
Contact: Bert Korporaal at bert.korporaal@gmail.com
