The Soapbox Charity Challenge is coming to Bury in September as, already, 17 teams are lining up to compete in the annual race. The My Wish challenge is being staged for its fourth year and will take place on Saturday, September 2nd with the Soapbox parade starting at 11 am. Sally Daniels, Fundraising Manager of My Wish, said the money raised will “enhance the care of patients and to support relatives and also the amazing staff across the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.”
17 teams have already signed up for the annual event, however, for those wondering what a Soapbox challenge is, it is a test of speed where a team builds a racing car from raw materials such as wood, carboard or paper mache. The teams that take part in these races are all local amateurs and the vehicles are powered by nothing more than gravity. The races experience spectacular crashes each year and that is sometimes what the crowd enjoys most about the day. A panel of judges offer points for the craziest creation and the time it took the rider or riders to get down the hill, if they do indeed get down the hill.
The main aim of any race is to get around the course (or down the hill) as quickly as possible, however, teams don’t just win on speed alone. The teams will, also, be judged on the creativity of the vehicle they have made and the showmanship they produce before, during and after they have completed their run. Some famous racers have also taken part in Soapbox such as Sebastian Vettel and Christian Horner.
Sally Daniels said, “we already have 17 teams signed up and it’s promising to be the best one yet. Sponsorship also means we can invite spectators to attend for free which is just amazing. It’s such a brilliant family day out and it’s wonderful to be able to offer this to families. We can’t wait to see huge crowds cheering on the soapboxes as they race down the hill.”
The day has been sponsored by local fragrance company Treatt who are the headline sponsor. Other sponsors include Sealey Tools, Frames Conservatories Direct, GT Cleaning Machines, Halo Service Solutions, Bosch, AC Webb Electrical, Knights Lowe Accountants Larking Gowen and Bury Town Council. Sponsorship of the event means the public can watch the challenge for free Sally Daniels said “We are so grateful to all our sponsors. Having their support means we can cover the cost and all money raised can then come to My WISH Charity”.