Soapbox Racing

The University of Southampton Soapbox Racing Society is an exciting group that aims to design, build and race a gravity powered soapbox race cart. Our aim is to compete in soapbox racing competitions, primarily the Red Bull Soapbox Race which takes place in locations across the globe. We have a different theme each year which provides a regular and exciting opportunity for students from all courses and backgrounds to get get involved in creative design!

Welcome!

The Soapbox Racing Society is a society which is currently building its own soapbox cart, in the hopes of racing it in national competitions later in the year. We are open to members from all backgrounds, degrees and skill levels. If you can use a drill you're probably more skilled than half the current members. We have a very relaxed atmosphere in which everyone and are ideas are welcome, expect your ideas to be listened to and very probably incorporated into the cart.

What is a Soapbox cart?

A soapbox is a motorless vehicle which is raced downhill. You might have seen the Red Bull Soapbox Race on TV if you ever watch Dave. Competitions are held all over the world in which these carts are raced, with usually funny and painful results.

What we do:

Members of the soapbox society meet up weekly for build sessions, in which we try not impale each other with power tools, and design meetings which are usually held in a pub, because no good idea has every come to anyone sober.

We currently have a somewhat functioning cart, but this needs a number of components improving before we are willing to trust it with our lives. We then have the fun task of decorating the cart. With enough members we are considering starting another cart from scratch so if you're interested in this let us know!

Our Socials:

In the past we have held BBQs, Go Karting and gaming nights, along with meals out and pub nights. Expect many more fun activities this year, covid permitting.

What you can do:

Please feel free to join as an interested member or drop any of the committee a message to find our about our upcoming meetings and events. Whether you're interested in engineering the cart, decorating it or just looking for a relaxed atmosphere to meet some people and have a laugh, we have plenty for you to do. Expect no commitment, turn up whenever you can, all the help is appreciated.

Check out our brief intro video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDlf7G4gz_c

A video of the 2015 London race can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEnl45gv_eE

Photo Gallery

The Committee

All clubs and societies within the Students' Union are run entirely by students. The student committee for Soapbox Racing this year are:

Ethan Young
President

Hannah Irwin
Secretary

Thomas Sherrington
Social Secretary

Eric Williams
Treasurer

Benjamin Beasley
Vice-President

Bo Zhang
Welfare Officer

Membership Information

These are the current membership fees offered by Soapbox Racing, although many clubs and societies offer a free period for new members to try out their activities.

You must be a member of the Students' Union to join a club or society

Name	Cost	Valid Period	Details
Full Membership 2021/22	FREE	01/09/2021 - 01/09/2022	Full membership to the Soapbox Racing society for the year - Free Membership

Constitution

All SUSU clubs & societies must have a Constitution which governs how they run

Download Constitution

Health & Safety

All clubs & societies are required to risk assess their activity to ensure it is carried out in a safe manner for members. Current risk assessments for Soapbox Racing are available to view below

Covid-Safe build session risk assessment v3 (Date updated) (31/03/2021)