Hunter Soap Box Derby

only

until racing!

2019 EVENT PROGRAM

The Hunter Soap Box Derby idea was born out of a conversation that was had with locals of the Upper Hunter and our own Executive Officer. They were discussing how they could help build and foster connections between families and community members, drive business to the area, as well as bring a fun yearly major event to a country town. Then someone said "How about a billy cart race?" - and it grew from there.

This event is designed to be a fun and engaging way for family, friends and work colleagues to connect by working on building a billy cart together. We live in a society that spends a lot of time in front of screens, and has a times lost a sense of adventure and good old fashioned fun and challenge, and there aren't a lot of opportunities like a billy cart race for people to get involved with. So, we created one!

Hunter Life Education is all about raising funds to ensure young people of the Hunter receive free or subsidised Life Education lessons to help them lead safer and healthier lives through education. What better way to raise funds than create an event that encourages learning, connection, outdoor activities and most importantly, fun?!

The 2019 event sees Unity Bank as Naming Rights Sponsor.

We have consulted with other billy cart race organisers in the area, particularly the Gresford Billy Cart Derby, held every Easter Saturday, and it was decided we should find a way to work together. So, we have collaborated to ensure our cart specifications are the same so if you enter a cart in their race, your cart will be eligible to enter ours (if all up to spec, of course!). So, this means you can enter either of the races, see how you go, and make improvements and race in the other event a few months later! What a great way to keep the fun momentum going throughout the year!

There are several race categories:

Defence Force Recruiting Junior Race - for ages 7 to 15
Defence Force Recruiting Senior Race - for ages 16+
BHP Mount Arthur Coal Emergency Services, Defence & Community Race
Thiess Corporate Clash

And we'll be awarding prizes for the best designed / dressed cart and most spectacular catastrophe. So, all you have to do now is sign up your team via the button below, and get started on building your cart. You won't regret it!

On race day there'll be loads of family friendly fun, entertainment, attractions and food on the day, so bring the whole family! The Pit Lane Garage and Entertainment Precinct is brought to you by Regional Australia Bank in 2019.

Where to stay if you're from out of town:

Camping options:

Muswellbrook Showgrounds, powered and unpowered sites with amenities - call Ron on 0428 493 731
Lake Liddell Recreational Area, powered and unpowered sites with amenities - contact Julie on 6541 2010
Reflections Holiday Park Lake Glenbawn (about 25 mins drive from event) with unpowered sites with amenities