Skip to content
Main Navigation
Events
Home Soapbox Derby

The University of Utah’s Annual Soap Box Derby

If you build it, they will come… to race!

Space is limited, so gather your crew and register starting Summer 2026.

Fall 2026

What is a Soap Box Derby?

A high-energy, creative, non-motorized car race powered by gravity, guided by humans, and driven by school spirit.

BUILD
BUILD
Build your own kart with provided materials.
DESIGN
DESIGN
Tap into your creative genius - design it your way
COMPETE
COMPETE
Compete for glory, prizes, and serious bragging rights
RACE
RACE
Think Formula 1 meets Indy 500 meets campus chaos!
University of Utah soapbox derby race
This is the Race.

How it Works

  1. Register your team: Groups of 6 — separate categories for Students & Faculty/Staff
    • Entry Fee: $200
    • What’s Included: Derby kit, race supplies, swag bags, hospitality access, and memories for a lifetime.
  2. Follow @UtahSoapBoxDerby on Instagram for inspo, tutorials, and race-day hype.
  3. Pick up your derby kit
    • By appointment - Email: belong@utah.edu
  4. Build your kart with your pit crew.
  5. Decorate, bedazzle, and strategize for max speed, flair, and swagger.
  6. Attend two mandatory cart inspections (driver must be present).
  7. Race your heart out.
  8. Win (or at least look good trying).
  9. Brag forever.

Awards Include

FASTEST TIME
FASTEST TIME
(1st, 2nd & 3rd Places): The Shake ‘n Bake Award
BIGGEST CRASH
BIGGEST CRASH
Soap Box Spin Out
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Hot Wheels Award
BEST DESIGN
BEST DESIGN
Classy Chassis
BEST IN SHOW
BEST IN SHOW
The Holy Grail

Race Day Schedule – Fall 2026

Time
Event
TBD
Team Check-In & Cart Review
TBD
RACE START!
TBD
Race Ends
TBD
Hospitality & Awards

Questions? Reach out! utahsoapbox@utah.edu

 

The Fine Print.

More Details

Team Categories
Student Teams
Any current or former* U of U student

Faculty/Staff Teams
Must include one current student and one active U of U employee
Faculty/staff participants need manager approval to join.

All teams must include at least one current U of U student.
Registration Details
• The driver registers the full team, signs all waivers, and is the main point of contact.
• If the registered driver can’t attend, email utahsoapbox@utah.edu to transfer registration.
• Registration opens Summer 2026.
• No refunds. No exceptions.
What's Included
• Entry for your team (up to 6 people)
• Swag bag for every team member
• Derby kit with basic build materials (chassis, wheels, steering column, plywood)
• Post-race hospitality tent access with food, drinks, and celebration
Important Reminders
• Kits are limited — when they’re gone, they’re gone!
• No refunds. You commit, you show up, you race.
Soap Box Derby

Rules & Waivers

NOT OK
OK!
Engines of any sort
Additional weight
Multiple drivers in cart
Using alterative materials
to the provided plywood
Alcoholic containers
Decorate & be-dazzle
Modifications to the provided kit wheels
Ingenuity & creativity
Profanity or lewdness

IMPORTANT

Photo Waiver: Must be signed in-person by the driver.

Participation Waiver: Must be signed in-person by the driver.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a current University of Utah student or employee.
  • Must be 18 years or older at the time of signing.
  • Must complete two cart reviews prior to the race.
  • Driver must provide their own helmet

 

Scholarships

*There are a limited number of scholarships available for this campus event. If your team is in search of a scholarship for the 2026 event follow these instructions:

  1. Email utahsoapbox@utah.edu – with the subject link “Soap Box Derby 2026 Scholarship request”
  2. Describe your team – who is on it, what is the goal of your team, do you have a team name, and what are you hoping to get out of your participation in the Derby this year?
  3. Why should we choose YOU for our scholarship?

Scholarship recipients will be notified via email from utahsoapbox@utah.edu.

Follow and Stay Tuned for More Information

@UtahSoapBoxDerby

 Get up-to-date posts on the event and important deadlines on Instagram.

instagram icon