Huge influx of applicants means the White Horse Soapbox is closing entries early

Attention all thrill-seekers and gravity enthusiasts! 

The White Horse Soapbox Derby is gearing up for an exhilarating ride down the iconic Westbury White Horse hill. The applications are now closed. So what are racers getting themselves into? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Event Date: Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 18th, 2024.
2. Location: The race takes place at the Westbury White Horse, nestled below an ancient Iron Age Hill Fort—a testament to historical engineering.
3. Course Stats: Brace yourselves for the steepest and most challenging course in the UK! Imagine hurtling down a picturesque chalk escarpment above Westbury, Wiltshire. Check out these thrilling course details:
   • Length: A heart-pounding 400 meters.
   • Average Gradient: A hair-raising 8.4%.
   • Max Gradient: Hold on tight—it reaches a jaw-dropping 18.4%!
   • Top Speed: Racers can hit speeds of up to 50 kph.
4. Historical Engineering Theme: Each soapbox team will decorate their vehicle following a historical engineering theme. From Viking ships to the Pyramids, creativity knows no bounds!
5. Focus on Wind Power: In 2024, the derby emphasizes wind power. Schools, exhibitors, and stakeholders are challenged to showcase their innovative wind-powered designs.
6. Environmentally Conscious: Let’s keep Westbury beautiful! Single-use plastics are banned for all traders. Shuttle services and carpooling are encouraged, and waste management ensures responsible recycling.

Supporters:

• Landmarc: The partner organisation pushing to make the event the best of the west.
• TORN: A loyal gold sponsor since the derby’s inception in 2022.
• MJ Church: Boosting WHS24’s green credentials with full waste management services.
• Arke Ltd: Back for another year of workshops and soapboxing!
• Honeystone: Powering the event with incredible web and support services
• Westbury Ford: Sponsoring the pits and offering support to our racers
• LitHub: A innovative new braodband service coming to Westbury 

Whether you’re a competitor, spectator, or a young STEM enthusiast, the White Horse Soapbox Derby promises an unforgettable experience. Buckle up, embrace the wind, and let historical engineering propel you down that daring hill! 🌬️🏁

For more information, visit the official White Horse Soapbox Derby website¹. 🚀

Last updated: Dec 11, 2024