Montague Soapbox 2026 Season is a GO!

Racers are ready to tear up the track in Turners Falls’ classic this September

It's go-time in Turners Falls Massachusetts as racers hone their carts and burn the midnight oil to create the rolling work of art they will enter to win for fame and glory, and a cool trophy to put up in their garage!

2026 will be the eighth soapbox race in Turners Falls since the current series began in 2010. In that time over a hundred people have built carts and raced down First Street in Unity Park to cheering crowds as they cross chalked finish lines. There has been orange octopuses, a Millennium Falcon, and a spectacular Seuss Mobile in those years, all fan favorites.

Sunday, September 27 is the day of heroes. Standing by their cart at the top of the hill, helmet fit snug, gloves pulled tight, a slight breeze in the canopy, the hill drops away below them, waiting. The crowd is on edge with anticipation.

The Montague Soapbox committee has opened the racer registration window.

All details about the race can be found on the Montague Soapbox Website.

Important Stuff to Know

Racers must be 8 years or older on race day. Racers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must co-sign the race application and waiver. Adults are encouraged to enter.

Carts must be home-made, not from kits, and must be occupied by only one person.

Racers will be grouped into three divisions, based on ages, for the competition:

Youth Division: 8 years - 12 years old
Teen Division: 13 years - 19 years old
Adults Division: 20 years old and up

Adult class racers will start at the top of the hill, which is pretty steep -- dropping 60 feet in less than 300' of road. In previous years, the top adult cart speed has exceeded 35 MPH at the bottom where the left turn begins. Teen class class will start at the top but not on the ramps, and Kid class racers will start lower down the hill.

Adult racers will have the option of starting on a raised ramp, further adding to the speed. The ramp is about 22 degrees, being eight feet wide and twelve feet long, and is four feet high in the back.

Racers will get two heats each and go down the hill two at a time, side by side against another racer in their age category. Because of the single left turn on the hill, each racer will take the left lane on one heat and the right lane on their other heat, with the total combined time being used towards their final timing.

Trophies will be awarded to the best three combined times for each division. There will be multiple style trophies as well, based on the look and construction of the carts themselves.

All racers must follow the safety guidelines outlined in the Vehicle Rules, which include wearing a helmet, elbow pads or long sleeved jacket, gloves and safety glasses. No open-toe shoes, or capes.

See you at the races!

Posted: to Montague Soapbox Race News on Thu, Jun 25, 2026
Updated: Sun, Jun 28, 2026