Otterton’s Soap Box Derby – a race using home-made go-karts – is being revived this spring.
The village event last took place in 1993, but is making a welcome return to the community calendar.
The race will take place on April 1, the Easter Monday bank holiday, and contestants have already started building their soap-box racing vehicles.
As well as bringing the community together, the event will raise funds towards a £30,000 target for revamping the village’s playground and sporting space at Behind Hayes, which was installed in the 1970s.
Otterton parish councillor Ian Simpson said: “The Otterton Soap Box Derby is the latest event we are adding to the community calendar and follows on from our popular Reindeer Run held in December.
“We reflected back on events that had both village connection and could bring the community together and also link the ages.
“We have an exceptional pool of talent with engineers, designer and builders who are willing to help entrants build their vehicles. We’ve only just announced the details and have had seven entries including one from Plymouth!
“Those interested in participating should get in touch and register their entry ASAP as we will only have a limited number of slots.”
The 2024 derby will take place at the top of the hill opposite Stantyway Farm, starting at 10am. This new competition will be for distance, not speed. There will be two age categories, for adults and those aged 17 and under. There will also be a design competition for both categories, with entrants judged before the race.
Entry is £20 for adults and £10 for those aged 17 and under. Entry forms and rules can be found on the Otterton Soapbox Derby site on Facebook or by emailing ottertonsoapbox@gmail.com. They can also be obtained through the Otterton Village Shop, Hair@57, the Kings Arms and The Mill. A special event logo has been created by book and commercial illustrator Patrick Llewellyn.
Anyone who would like to help support the event, volunteer on the day or sponsor a team then get in touch via the FB site or by emailing ottertonsoapbox@gmail.com
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