The Senator Group defends Soapbox title with Jeffrey's Jet

The 170-metre track featured jumps, water blasters, and a new ramp, drawing a crowd of over 12,000 spectators. Paul O'Brien drove Jeffreys Jet to victory, with support from Leon Berry, Chris Coles, Curtis Woods-Warburton, and Matt Walker. 

Our Soapbox team built the kart using our Jinx sofa shell technique, with a vinyl-covered monocoque, a thick ply base, and a steel chassis. It also featured a leather Kin stool as the driver’s seat - a first for any kart in the race.

The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge attracted huge crowds from across the county. Visitors descended upon Accrington town centre to support the event in aid of Maundy Relief. On display this year were some fantastic creations including BBC Radio Lancashire’s Chicken Cart, Nuns on the Run, Batman, Mission Improbable and Veterans in Communities. The event also featured Brazilian dancers and live entertainment between the heats. Visitors were encouraged to browse local shops to support the high street and small businesses throughout the day.

The races began in the morning on Saturday starting in Blackburn Road, with the drivers facing jumps, chicanes and water pistols, before the race ended in Church Street. The Senator Group, Devil’s Haircut Racing and SP Tippers were top of the pile following the morning heat. In the afternoon, the final eight teams took on the course to be crowned masters of the soapbox.

Baxenden Car Breakers had a great afternoon run to clinch the third spot. Second place went to Devil’s Hair Cut racing with a time of 15.8 seconds, while The Senator Group held on to the top spot to clinch the win again. During the race, a back tyre burst during both runs, but in true F1 style, the team made quick repairs to get JJ ready for a victory lap.