Rules & Regulations
Introduction
These Rules and Regulations apply to all entries. They have been designed for your safety and the safety of others around you and are based on ‘best practice’, common sense and the experience of ourselves and other Organisers of similar events. They are intended as a helpful guideline, but if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your signature on the Team Registration Form confirms that you have read and understood the Rules and Regulations.
The course will start near to the Church Walk/Castle Street junction and end at the bottom of the Castle Street hill in Market Place – a distance of approximately 200 metres and a descent of approximately 1:15 (it should be noted that this is only indicative of the gradient of parts of the course).
At the widest part of the course, drivers will have the option of taking either a short chicane or a jump to test their skill. Soapboxes will be given the opportunity of three runs and will set off individually, at intervals. All runs will be timed and recorded by independent adjudicators. Each team's overall time will be based on the average of their two fastest runs (slowest run not included). Individual run times will determine the individual driver award winners.
1 - General Conditions
1.0 The minimum age of a Junior Team Driver is 12 years. The minimum age of a Senior Team Driver is 18 years.
1.1 There is a maximum of six persons per team (minimum of one).
1.2 Brightly coloured soapboxes, sponsorship and advertising are encouraged.
1.3 Hinckley BID encourages participants to raise money for charity at the event, in order to collect money on the day, a Street Collections License will be required from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
1.4 The Team’s Soapbox number (between 1-50) will be issued by the organisers prior to the day and must be created and prominently displayed on the Soapbox (painted/affixed).
1.5 Registration and scrutineering will take place in Church Walk Car Park between 8.00am – 9.30am on the day of the event (this car park will be closed to the public all day). The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to any team and their decision will be final.
1.6 There will be no practice runs. (Racing is expected to start at 11.00am prompt).
1.7 Prior to each run and at any other time, before being allowed to participate, soapboxes and drivers must report to Scrutineering for a Safety Inspection.
1.8 Church Walk Car Park (LE10 1DW) will be open solely for the use of a single team vehicle and trailer per team and this is where scrutineering will take place.
1.9 The push start area will be clearly marked between two lines at the top of the course, with a maximum of two pushers allowed.
1.10 After crossing the finishing line, drivers will need to apply their brakes and quickly depart from the course under the Marshal’s instructions.
1.11 The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any or all team participants that demonstrate inappropriate conduct.
1.12 Teams may choose a different driver for each run.
1.13 As the provider of this event, Hinckley BID has the right to take photos and share images online, printed publications and to third parties. For more details, please contact info@hinckleybid.co.uk
2 – Technical, Design and Structural Regulations
2.1 Maximum length 2500mm measured from front to rear of soapbox.
2.2 Maximum width 1200mm measured from outside to outside.
2.3 Drivers to remain seated at all times.
2.4 Strictly no protuberances outside these dimensions will be allowed without prior approval.
2.5 There must be a minimum of three wheels, fitted with suitable tyres, (more than two “in line” wheels will not be allowed) and all wheels should be in road contact during normal running. Ground clearance should be sufficient– 50mm minimum is recommended.
2.6 Good brakes and steering are essential. Braking must operate on at least two wheels on the same axle and be effective in holding the vehicle stationary at the Start position.
2.7 Seats must be securely bolted to the soapbox.
2.8 Soap boxes must be designed to carry one person only, in a feet first direction (unless agreed in writing in advance).
2.9 Any steering column, brake lever or other protrusion must be designed and fitted such that the risk of puncture injuries is minimised.
2.10 Bodywork and controls must not impede the driver in exiting the vehicle unaided.
2.11 Any doors or hatches required for driver access must be readily operated from both inside and outside the vehicle without the use of tools.
2.12 Gravity propulsion only – i.e. no motors, no pedals & no stored potential energy including water or liquid of any type.
2.13 No loose weights will be allowed inside or outside the soap box.
2.14 Seatbelts are not mandatory, but are recommended.
2.15 Steering must not have excessive free play or any characteristic tending to promote instability.
3 – Safety Regulations
3.1 The purpose of the event is to have fun, but the safety of the team, supporters and spectators is paramount throughout the day, and accordingly, Hinckley BID Soapbox Derby organisers reserve the right to amend these rules or go above and beyond their guidance.
3.2 Each driver in the team will be required to sign a disclaimer as part of the entry process on the day.
3.3 All soapboxes must be constructed with pedestrian safety in mind. Sharp edges will not be permitted, either internally and externally.
3.4 No glass or other materials that would shatter or cause injuries to drivers or spectators in the event of a crash should be used in the construction of the soapbox.
3.5 Drivers must wear an approved crash helmet (motor cycle helmet or H&S approved cycle helmet or similar). Clothing must be capable of withstanding contact with tarmac or concrete. No bare limbs will be allowed.
3.6 All drivers must attend the Drivers’ Briefing which will be at 10:30am near the start line. Time trials will start at 11am.
3.7 All drivers are advised to walk the course prior to the start of the race.
3.8 Any three members (from the maximum of six team members) can be drivers on the race day.
3.9 The Scrutineers decision is final. Scrutineers must have full access to the soapbox and component parts to carry out their checks.
3.10 Teams are responsible for the ongoing risk assessments on their soapbox during the event and are obliged to report any change in risk to the scrutineers.
3.11 Insurance is the responsibility of the individual Team. Disclaimers must be signed prior to racing.
