The Wacky Races return to the streets of Hunstanton

Several thousand people are expected to line the streets in Hunstanton as the popular Soap Box Derby returns this Sunday, 21st September.

Over 100 competitors across 60 teams are expected to take part, careering down the 500 metre course reaching speeds nearing 40mph in their home made contraptions. Starting by the High Street on Greevegate, racing zooms down past the Green and finishes in Beach Terrace Road by the Bandstand.

The first event took place in 1953 initiated by school teacher and former Chairman of the Town Council, Frank Hartnell, who challenged boys at a local home to design, build and race their Karts.

Nowadays, particpants travel from far and wide to take part. Whilst many carts are built for fun some are scientifically designed such as Gravitron 2.0 driven by Heacham racer, Dave Curtis, who has modified his kart to specifications seeking to eke out more manoeuvrability and that extra few more miles per hour. He is racing on the back of a recent victory in Colchester looking for his maiden win here. Dave said, “raring to go after last weekend’s success, do I take the jump on or not, you’ll have to wait and see”.

From left: Stuart Dark, Charles le Strange Meakin and James Wild

Previously winner, Charles le Strange Meakin, who won in 2023, will be racing again as part of Birkin's Boys, named after the original Birkin’s boys, where Sir Tim Birkin and his fellow Bentley Boys, the aristocrat British racing drivers, competed in the 1920’s. Look out for the Birkin Girls too. The local emergency services are all entering teams.

The expected wet and windy conditions will only add to the thrills and spills as participants will have to decide whether to take on the infamous jump or tight chicane half way down the course. Racing commences at 11.15am, although spectators can view all the carts on the green prior to racing from 9am.

Cllr Sue Lintern, of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council, said, “I’m hoping that it’s sunny in Hunny for some fast-racing times as the unique and creative karts race down the hill in one of our most entertaining and fun events of the year! We had over 7000 spectators last year, so I urge people to get to Hunstanton early to ensure they get a good spot to watch all the wacky racing. These free events could not take place if not for our excellent events team. I know that the Soap Box Derby is one of the hardest events to organise. I thank them for everything they do.”

Each team get two runs and the event is free to attend. Live music will be performed on the Bandstand in the afternoon to add to the carvinal and festival atmosphere.

All images by Ian Burt