Checking in to the Soapbox Race
All Racers will arrive at the staging area on 2nd Street in Turners Falls in front of NOVA Motorcycles (directions) between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM for check-in and safety inspection. Please do not be late. Check-in will close at 10:30.
You will not be able to register on race day, and there is a 60-cart limit, so register now just in case we fill up.
Registration closes on Wednesday, May 29 at NOON.
Check In
Teams will enter 2nd Street from Avenue A and proceed to the Check-In table at NOVA Motorcycles. Racers will confirm their registration and that all forms have been properly signed and the entry fee has been paid.
After racer info is confirmed, teams will proceed to the inspection area, where the race cart will be lowered to the ground and be inspected. The tow vehicle can park in the exclusive parking lot for racer tow vehicles, nearby.
Inspection
Carts and drivers will be inspected based on the Vehicle Rules. Please make sure you have read the vehicle specification and racer rules to ensure you have everything right.
Upon completion carts will get an inspection sticker, which can be placed anywhere on the vehicle.
If the cart does not pass it is pulled from the line and if it is possible to remediate the cart may be returned to the end of the line. If not, it must be removed from the Staging Area and will be excluded from the race. The decision of the inspectors will be final.
Pre-Race Line-up
After inspection, each team will bring their cart through the parking lot to the bottom of the 1st Street hill in front of the announcer platform where they will wait for the welcomes and the National Anthem to be sung. This waiting period gives the style judges and the spectators the opportunity to get a closer look at each cart, as well as racers an opportunity to meet each other, get something to eat or buy shirts if they haven't yet done so, or even use the bathroom. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY!
Starting Line
After the National Anthem is sung, all carts will be towed up the 1st Street hill and staged to race. Racers should be accompanied by at least one assistant, who may have snacks and a cell phone to connect with the rest of their team, though assistants are not required.
As each cart races, assistants will not be allowed to run down the race track (1st Street hill) to get a good view of their Racer, although they can stand by and watch their racer from the top of the hill. There will be a local radio broadcast of the race, so bring a boom box with fresh batteries.
Race Officials will bring the cart to the starting point where the cart will be held in place by race officials. Adults will begin at the top of the hill on a ramp, resulting in a possible top speed of 37 mph. Teen Class racers will start at or near the top of the hill but not on ramps, with a likely top speed of 33 mph. Kid Class racers will start half-way down the hill, with a likely top speed of 20 mph.
Racers will go down the hill two at a time!
All racers are encouraged to test run their carts before entering the race to ensure steering is adequate. Find a local hill near your home before the race and test it out. Make sure to not interfere with road traffic, and have at least two "spotters" with you.