Proposed Regulations

A rally soapbox differs from a standard soapbox because it will be designed to travel on rough ground as well as tarmac and must be able to take a six-inch jump without falling to pieces or the driver falling out of the seat. The rally soapbox pictured has already stood up to this test several times.

  1. The main chassis shall be constructed of wood or iron tubing (aluminium not permitted). It is not permitted, for example, to remove the engine and drive train from a go-kart or quad and then use the chassis in free-wheel. However it is encouraged to use steering and braking components from such vehicles.
  2. The vehicle shall have four wheels made up of two pairs of axles (no tricycle set ups).
  3. The vehicle should be steered from the front wheels using either a conventional set up or any other proprietory system. A steering rope can be used though a more advanced steering wheel system would be desirable.
  4. No suspension allowed.
  5. A vehicle must have good quality working brakes on the rear axle (both wheels). These must withstand continual and heavy use as rally soapboxing may involve very steep gradients and the occasional water splash.
  6. The vehicle should be fitted with a robust seat. Ideally the seat from a go-kart giving maximum support for cornering.
  7. The maximum length is 1500mm and maximum width 750mm.
  8. The vehicle must have at least 75mm of ground clearance.
  9. The wheels and wheel bearings are completely free except the maximum wheel diameter of 450mm. Front and rear wheels can be different sizes.
  10. No closed bodywork is permitted. The driver must be able to fall clear in the event of an accident (like a pedal cycle, like a go-kart).
  11. The only form of propulsion will be gravity: no pedal power, no propelling of the wheels (like a wheelchair).
  12. Each vehicle must be capable of being towed along by a rope should any particular test or trial run out of gravity.
  13. A competition number panel will be on the seat rear.
A Rally Soapbox

Remember, these regulations are only a starting point but if we do not start with a level playing field people are going to get very unhappy. The idea is now to get 40 rally soapboxes built and by the summer we may be able to look for an event.


Since this is going out across the country I hope motor clubs and organisations will get on board and let us have an eco-friendly revolution.


When you are building a rally soapbox or have one planned, register at: soapboxrallying@aol.com


Remember!!

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