Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 15 July 2023

HINCKLEY BID’S annual Soap Box Derby has proved to be “a real winner” this year according to Bid bosses, as thousands of town-goers turned up to marvel on at many of the creatively-designed soapboxes speeding on down Hinckley’s high street.

Spectators shown up from across the Midlands last Sunday (9 July) to cheer on drivers who were completing laps in their carefully-crafted boxes to battle for the time-trial trophies, with some reaching impressive speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

In fact, even the borough mayor for Hinckley and Bosworth, Scott Gibbens, completed a lap of his own, and impressively landed a jump in a Dad’s Army inspired soapbox.

A Bid spokesperson further said the categories ‘surpassed all expectations’, with some of the team names reflecting their enthusiasm – such as The Banana Bunch, Fast Not Furious, and The Flying Duckman.

Event Organiser, Toni Scott, of Hinckley BID, said: “Once again, the weather held out for our brave entrants to push their vehicles to the limit – our thanks to all who entered and to the many volunteers who assisted us.”

Hinckley BID Director, Steve Wegerif, added: “Our thanks to all the businesses in Hinckley Town centre – their financial contribution to the BID enables these huge events to take place and allow us to showcase the very best of Hinckley. Thanks also to those who made this event happen.”

Seniors – Fastest Driver on the Day

• Fast Not Furious
• Nutty’s Speed Shop
• The MG’s

Juniors – Fastest Drivers on the Day

• Yep 1
• Trinity Players
• Sharnford Bob Sleigh Team

Overall Fastest Team

• Senior – Nutty’s Speed Shop
• Junior – Yep 1

Other Awards

• Best Amateur Soap Box – Nutty’s Speed Shop
• Best Novelty Soap Box – 1381 Motor Club
• Most Enthusiastic Junior Racer – The Flying Duckman
• Best Turned Out Soap Box and Crew – Jar-a-Dirt