Thrills and spills at Hunstanton's Soap Box Derby

More than 8 thousand people filled a very Sunny Hunny for the popular event.

The legendary Hunstanton wacky races returned to the local streets on Sunday - and the Hunstanton Soap Box Derby 2025 did not fail to deliver.

Crowds at the event

Soap Box racing or, to use the official term, gravity racing, involves motorless vehicles manoeuvring down a slope against the clock, or against a competitor. Of course, the type of soap boxes, built to different levels of standards, add to the excitement. It is fun and serious at the same time. 

Rusty Nutz, Image Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

The world record speed for a Soap Box was set in 2014 by Englishman, Guy Martin, in France at a whopping 85.6mph. Whilst these karts didn’t quite reach that level, there was still exciting mayhem throughout the day.

Hinris and Hugo from King’s Lynn enjoying the day

Many racers were cajoled, bribed, tricked or conned even into racing on the pretension of, “it’s just a calm Sunday afternoon jaunt to the coast in September, nothing to worry about.” Well! Crashes, mayhem driving - mainly from the men it should be noted - and breakdowns from those you would least expect it (cue the Fire Service Cadets team). Thrills, spills, not knowing how to break at the end and trying to enjoy the beautiful coastal view - particularly whilst elevated from the infamous jump - as you career down the course.

Spectators could view all the karts close up pre-race. Local racer, Dave Curtis, was looking for his maiden win here and was confident after winning in Colchester last week. He said, “The standard gets better and better, so I am looking forward to today’s proceedings. Should be fun”. He nearly had a problem after part of his Soap Box fell off on transit, but resolved the matter with a quick detour back to his Heacham base.

Dave Curtis in Gravitron 2.0, Image Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and the thousands of spectators who lined the "Hunston” streets were not disappointed. Of course, the choice of the jump or the chicane prove the pivotal points with the crowds cheering, baying if you like, for the racers to choose the jump.

Team Air Oops

One vehicle did in fact end up nose to tail and upside down, proving the race is not just a genteel jolly boys’ and girls’ outing. Some of the karts are so scientifically designed, the accolade of winning the title attracts teams from far and wide.

Image Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

The weather did indeed prove favourable to the racers on this occasion, dry conditions, much to to the disdain of the crash expectant crowd. But fun and charity fundraising won over on the day. Credit must also go to the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Events Team who organised another fantastic day. Music on the Green also added to the festival and carnival like atmosphere.

The spectacle simply provides entertainment and joy to so many. Ultimately, it came down to the wire. However, 2023 winners, Birkin Boys, stole the show, managing to pip their closest rivals at the post. Having tied in 1st place after their second run with King’s Lynn Round Table 54 with a run of 28 seconds, a quicker first run meant Charles le Stange Meakin’s team re-claimed the title.

Winners Birkin' Boys - Charles le Strange Meakin with his team, Image Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Dave Curtis added, "Another superb day of racing, this race really has the potential for being one of the best on the circuit nationally. It would be great to introduce dual racing, where karts race against each other head to head.”

The 2026 event could prove to be bigger and better than ever. Watch this space, as head to head racing might just change the dynamics and add to the excitement. We shall see.

All other images Ian Burt

The Anglian Plant entry made the chicane look easy.

The Hunstanton Fire Cadets were not so lucky; they had to carry their soap box to the finish.

Meanwhile, things were a little quieter on Hunstanton High Street where Rambo the owl was holding court outside the Copper Kettle.