Nevada City Adult Soapbox Derby

On hiatus in 2017, 2018 TBA

Nimrod Road
Near Clay Street intersection
Nevada City, CA
$200 entry, free to see
event website is gone, see nevadacitychamber.com/ nevada-city-events/ soap-box-derby/

They go by names like Torpedo of Truth, Cinderella Story, Bull Shifters, Scrub Team and Quaker Hill Gang. Their goal: to build the greatest soapbox vehicle ever and win the race down Nimrod Street. Team members are encouraged to exude team spirit and enthusiasm through their attire for maximum audience impact and entertainment. There are two categories of race vehicles -- art or speed. Art cars aren't timed but compete based on creativity and team spirit. Their objective is to entertain, not to win a speed challenge.

The course: Nimrod Street near the crest of the hill (just below the Gracie Road intersection) to the end of Nimrod Street (at the junction with Park Avenue) in Nevada City. Each race lasts less than 3 minutes--the entire course is approx. half a mile in length.

The annual Nevada City Adult Soapbox Derby invites participants to be creative without spending more than $500 for a race vehicle. That should be easy enough-- it can't include any type of propulsion other than gravity and good design to get from the top of the hill to the finish line. There are sanctioned Soap Box Derby races in Elk Grove, San Diego, Victorville and Palo Alto -- this isn't one of them.

42 teams have signed up for the event which includes a beer garden and festivities beyond the finish line. If you can make it to the Sierra foothills an hour outside of Sacramento by car, you'll have a good time seeing this one-of-a-kind adults only race. Proceeds benefit local parks.

Other fun races include Humboldt County's Kinetic Sculpture Race and Ventura Kinetic Sculpture Race.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.