sOaPBOX DERBY

The billy carts return to Leeton! The Australian Art Deco Festival will feature a soapbox derby as part of the free Chelmsford Festival on Saturday July 11 – application forms can be accessed here.

EVENT RULEs

Drivers will complete a series of head-to-head runs within their age category, with each entrant taking multiple runs down the course. Points are awarded throughout the competition, with the highest-performing competitors progressing to the final standings.

Each cart shall have a driver and a pusher.
There will be a restricted push zone at the top of the course – carts can be pushed only in this zone and must then be let go.
Drivers must wear cycle helmets, crash helmets or motor bike helmets AND enclosed footwear.
Deco dress is mandatory for all drivers and pushers. (Deco dress = fashion 1910-1949)
Each event will have a maximum number of carts, determined by the judges.
Heats will be held to accommodate all carts.
Carts may be entered in more than one class with appropriate drivers/pushers.
First cart past the post is the winner of the run.
No mechanical or driver propulsion will be permitted (includes pedals, no traction control, ABS, launch control allowed!)
All entrants enter these events at their own risk.
All entrants must be the specified age as at event day – Saturday, July 11, 2026.

caRT sPEcIFIcaTIONs

All carts must be available for scrutineering by 10am on race day.
Carts shall be in a safe condition.
Carts must have brakes and be able to stop unaided (Putting your feet down on the tar does not equate to brakes!)
All carts must have four (4) wheels
Maximum wheel diameter 600mm.
The maximum cart length is 2.0 metres.
Carts must be capable of being steered, with a 10-20 degree restriction from centre to support better control.
There shall be no dangerous extrusions from the cart.
Each cart shall have provision for a number. Numbers will be allocated by judges on final inspection.

PRIZEs

The Soapbox Derby is a theatrical billycart challenge where creativity is just as important as speed. Drivers dressed in period costume navigate the course in handcrafted carts, delighting spectators with a mix of ingenuity, friendly rivalry and plenty of laughs.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three places in each age category plus special prizes for:

Best Effort & Design
Best Cart & Crew Outfits
Best Art Deco Cart

aDDITIOnaL InFORMaTIOn

Judges decision is final.
Entrants shall be responsible for the safety of the carts construction and the operation of the carts during the entire event.
All safety instructions must be followed at all times.
Entry into this event is acknowledging that the entrant will not hold the organiser, sponsor or volunteers responsible for their actions.

EnTRIEs

Entries must be received by Monday 6 July 2026.
Email: artdeco@leeton.nsw.gov.au
Post/Delivery: Leeton Shire Council, 23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton NSW 2705

* This event may be cancelled or postponed – in such an event information will be available from the Art Deco Facebook page and website: artdecofestival.com