Ashby Soapbox Derby 2026: Results and Highlights

Admin AshbyBID • May 17, 2026


The Ashby Soapbox Derby 2026 took place on Sunday 17 May, with 40 teams racing down Market Street in front of thousands of spectators. Nigel Richards Driving won the senior category and Ashford Explorers took the junior title. It was the third annual derby, organised by Ashby BID and funded by the businesses of Ashby.

What is the Ashby Soapbox Derby?

The Ashby Soapbox Derby is a free community race day on Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch. Teams build their own gravity-powered carts and race them down a 200-metre course packed with twists, jumps and chicanes.

Teams compete in two categories:

  • Junior: drivers aged 12 to 17
  • Senior: drivers aged 18 and over

Prizes go to the fastest teams, the most creative designs and the crowd favourites.

Who won the Ashby Soapbox Derby 2026?

Here are this year's top three in each category. [CHECK: confirm these are the fastest-time results and add the most creative and crowd favourite winners.]

Senior category

  1. Nigel Richards Driving Fools
  2. Man Within Compass
  3. Wacky Racers

Junior category

  1. Ashford Explorers
  2. Wacky Racers
  3. Team Infield

Congratulations to every team that took part. Wacky Racers deserve a special mention for reaching the podium in both categories.

What were the highlights of the day?

Despite a few showers, the weather stayed largely kind and the crowds lined Market Street from start to finish.

  • 40 teams took to the course, from local businesses and pubs to schools and youth groups
  • A large viewing screen and live timing kept spectators up to date with every run
  • A judging panel led by the Mayor of Ashby de la Zouch, Councillor Damilola Ojuri, picked out the best designs and performances
  • The pit stop on Brook Street gave visitors a close look at the carts before they raced
  • Imaginative costumes and team performances added to the fun

What did the organisers say?

Stuart Benson, Ashby BID Manager, thanked everyone involved.

"From outstanding engineering and imaginative costumes to crowd-pleasing performances, every team played a part in making the day special." Stuart Benson, Ashby BID

A huge thank you to our volunteers, marshals, supporters and every business that opened its doors to the crowds.

Why does the Soapbox Derby matter for Ashby?

The derby is one of the town's biggest days of the year. Previous derbies have drawn over 5,000 visitors into the town centre, filling cafés, pubs and shops along Market Street.

Local business owners see the difference. Mary, owner of Natural Hounds, says events such as the Soapbox Derby "attract people from far and wide" and boost footfall.

Can I enter the Ashby Soapbox Derby next year?

Yes. Entries usually open in the new year. Follow Love Ashby on Facebook and Instagram for 2027 dates, or email stuart@ashbybid.co.uk to register your interest.

See you on the start line!