Surrey Research Park
Soapbox Derby

Join us on Wednesday 4 November 2026, from 11am to 2pm – first track run at midday, at Surrey Research Park in Guildford (GU2 7UG).

Our first-ever Soapbox Derby and Surrey IN Motion showcase promise an entertaining lunchtime celebration of creativity, engineering and automotive innovation.

Come along, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the action!

Four teams. One trophy. Everything to race for!

Expect imaginative homemade karts, clever engineering, friendly rivalry and a little racing drama as teams compete to be crowned the first-ever Surrey Research Park Soapbox Derby Champions and lift the coveted trophy.

Adding to the excitement, it’s students versus the professionals as a team of undergraduates from the University of Surrey takes on engineers from two of Surrey Research Park’s leading technology businesses in a battle of creativity, ingenuity and gravity-powered racing!

Pick your favourites and cheer them on to victory!

It’s raw innovation, analogue fun and the most exciting lunch hour at any research park (probably)!

Yes! Refreshments will be available during the event, so you can enjoy something to eat or drink while taking in the action.

Whether you’re visiting during your lunch break or enjoying the event with family and friends, there’ll be an opportunity to grab a bite to eat or a drink from the “The Pit Stop” trackside refreshments stand or visit the Hub on the Park Cafe for a race-inspired meal.

This is an outdoor November event, so we’d recommend dressing appropriately and bring a waterproof jacket!

The event is planned to go ahead in suitable weather, although racing activities may need to be paused, adjusted or cancelled if conditions become unsafe.

Should there be any changes , we’ll keep you informed via our website or via announcements on the day.

Yes, absolutely!

The Soapbox Derby is designed to be a fun and engaging spectator experience for all ages.

With colourful racing karts, creative engineering and plenty of excitement, there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination.

Children must remain under adult supervision, particularly around the racetrack and vehicle displays.

Yes, it’s completely free!

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re coming with family, friends, colleagues or simply popping along during your lunch break.

There’s no need to register or purchase tickets in advance – just turn up from 11am and enjoy the fun.

First team are scheduled to start their run at 12noon.

Getting to Surrey Research Park by public transport is easy, with regular bus services from Guildford town centre, railway station and Stag Hill University Campus.

Via the University of Surrey’s Manor Park campus: Take the Stagecoach number 1 bus from Guildford town centre, Guildford railway station or the Stag Hill Campus, towards Manor Park and Royal Surrey County Hospital. Alight at Manor Park, from where it’s a less than 10 minutes on foot to the Surrey Technology Centre.

Please follow the event signs on arrival and check the latest bus timetables before travelling.

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Or via Royal Surrey County Hospital: Take the number 5 bus from Guildford town centre or railway station towards Royal Surrey County Hospital. From the hospital, it’s less than 10 minute walk to Surrey Research Park.

For your return journey, hop on a number 4 bus towards Guildford.

Free on-site parking will be available for visitors to the event at Surrey Research Park.

Please follow the event signs and any directions from our marshals when you arrive.

We recommend allowing a little extra time to park and make your way to the spectator areas.

While the Surrey Technology Centre visitor car park is closed, follow the signs to access other parking options.

Accessible Parking will be available at the rear of the Surrey Technology Centre.

We want everyone to feel welcome at our Soapbox Derby and Surrey IN Motion showcase.

We have accessible parking, step-free spectator viewing, accessible toilets and contact details.

To facilitate this event, we have had to make some changes to accessible parking arrangements at the Surrey Technology Centre.

Please email srpmarketing@surrey.ac.uk ahead of your visit if you have specific accessibility requirements, so we can advise you on the best options.

A soapbox (also known as a gravity racer) is motorless vehicle which is raced on a downhill road either against the clock or against another competitor.

Vehicles are constructed to be as aerodynamic as possible to reduce air drag and optimise mass and weight distribution for maximum speed.

While not a new concept, soapbox races became popular and brought into the mainstream by the Red Bull Racing Soapbox Race – a race that is organised once a year in which amateurs challenge each other by racing their hand-made vehicles, which are then judged based on their aesthetics, speed, and roadholding.

Since the introduction of the Red Bull Soapbox Race in 2000, it has been held in multiple countries around the world and draws in thousands of spectators.