★ The fine print

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please read these terms carefully. By entering or participating in the Event, you agree to be bound by them.

Last Updated: 29 April 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern participation in the Stoke Fleming Soapbox Derby (the "Event"), organized and managed by Riot Agency ("the Organizer"). By submitting an entry form or participating in the Event, all drivers, pit crew members, and team representatives ("Participants") agree to be legally bound by these Terms.

1. Eligibility and Entry

1.1All drivers must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the Event. Drivers under the age of 18 must provide written parental or guardian consent.
1.2Participant Eligibility: All Participants (including drivers) must confirm that they are fit to participate and that they do not have any medical condition, impairment, or other issue that would make participation unsafe. The Organizer may require a Participant to withdraw where it reasonably believes participation may pose a safety risk.
1.3Participants must be in good health and possess the physical capability to operate their vehicle.
1.4The Organizer reserves the right to refuse any entry at its absolute discretion without providing a reason.
1.5Entry fees are non-refundable, except in the case of Event cancellation as outlined in Section 8.

2. Vehicle Specifications and Scrutineering

2.1Propulsion: Vehicles must be purely gravity-powered. No engines, motors, pedals, or stored energy sources (e.g., batteries, springs, compressed air) are permitted.
2.2Vehicle Safety & Scrutineering: Vehicles must be constructed and maintained in a safe condition suitable for public event use. As a minimum requirement, vehicles must have (i) effective brakes, (ii) safe steering, and (iii) no sharp edges, spikes, or hazardous protrusions. The Organizer may disqualify, refuse to allow on the course, or require modification to any vehicle that it deems unsafe (in its sole discretion), at any time including during scrutineering, practice, or racing.
2.3Braking: All vehicles must be equipped with a functional and effective braking system that operates on at least two wheels independently of the steering mechanism.
2.4Steering: Vehicles must have a safe and reliable steering system. Any vehicle deemed to have "loose" or "unpredictable" steering during inspection will be disqualified.
2.5Dimensions: Vehicles must not exceed 1.5 meters in width and 2.5 meters in length.
2.6Weight: The maximum weight of the vehicle (excluding the driver) must not exceed 100kg.
2.7Scrutineering: Every vehicle must pass a safety inspection by the Organizer's technical team on the morning of the Event. The Organizer's decision on a vehicle's fitness to race is final.

3. Safety and Protective Equipment

3.1Safety Equipment: Drivers must wear a securely fastened helmet at all times while on the track. Helmets must be either a motorcycle helmet or a high-quality cycle helmet in good condition (and must fit correctly and be securely fastened).
3.2Full-length clothing is mandatory, including long-sleeved tops and long trousers. Sturdy footwear is required. Protective gloves and additional padding/armour are strongly recommended.
3.3No sharp edges or protrusions are permitted on the exterior of the vehicle.

4. Conduct and Racing Rules

4.1Conduct: Participants must act responsibly and with good sportsmanship at all times, including following instructions from the Organizer, marshals, and safety staff, and treating other Participants, volunteers, and members of the public with respect. The Organizer may disqualify or remove any Participant for unsafe behaviour, abuse, harassment, or failure to follow instructions.
4.2Alcohol and Drugs: The Event operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol, illegal substances, and impairment. Drivers must not consume alcohol or drugs before or during participation. Any Participant suspected of being under the influence will be immediately disqualified and removed from the site.
4.3Driver Briefing: Attendance at the mandatory safety briefing on the day of the Event is a condition of participation.
4.4Reckless Driving: Any driver deemed to be driving in a manner dangerous to themselves, other Participants, or spectators will be red-flagged and disqualified.

5. Liability and Waiver

5.1Assumption of Risk: Participants acknowledge that soapbox racing is a high-risk activity involving potential physical injury or death. Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with the Event.
5.2Liability Waiver & Indemnity: Participation is entirely at the Participant's own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organizer (including Stoke Fleming Soapbox Derby/Riot Agency) and its directors, employees, contractors, landowners, and volunteers shall not be liable for any injury, death, loss, or damage (including damage to vehicles or other property) suffered by any Participant or third party arising out of or in connection with the Event, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
5.3Indemnity: Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stoke Fleming Soapbox Derby/Riot Agency against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to (i) the Participant's actions or omissions, (ii) the Participant's vehicle (including its construction, maintenance, or use), (iii) any breach of these Terms, or (iv) any injury, death, or property damage caused or contributed to by the Participant.

6. Insurance

6.1The Organizer maintains public liability insurance for the Event; however, this does not cover Participant vehicles or personal injury to Participants.
6.2No Personal Accident Insurance: The Organizer does not provide personal accident insurance (or equivalent personal injury cover) for Participants.
6.3Participants are responsible for arranging their own personal accident and third-party liability insurance if they wish to be covered for damage to their vehicle or personal injury.

7. Media and Promotion

7.1Media Rights: By participating, Participants grant Riot Agency a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use any photographs, video footage, or audio recordings taken during the Event (including images/recordings of Participants and their vehicles) for marketing, promotional, editorial, and commercial purposes across digital and print platforms.
7.2Participants waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or any advertising copy that may be used in connection with these materials.

8. Cancellation and Force Majeure

8.1The Organizer reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or abandon the Event due to adverse weather, safety concerns, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control ("Force Majeure").
8.2In the event of cancellation, the Organizer's liability is limited to the refund of the entry fee only. No compensation will be paid for travel, accommodation, or vehicle construction costs.

8A. Responsibility of Organizers

8A.1The Organizer will take reasonable steps to support the safe running of the Event, including completing a track risk assessment, providing marshaling, and arranging on-site first aid cover.
8A.2Participants acknowledge that such measures reduce risk but do not eliminate it, and nothing in this Section 8A creates any acceptance of liability by the Organizer for the outcome of the race or any incident, save to the extent that liability cannot be excluded by law.

9. Data Protection

9.1Personal data provided during the entry process will be processed in accordance with the Organizer's Privacy Policy and current UK GDPR requirements. Data will be used solely for the administration of the Event and safety purposes.

10. Governing Law

10.1These Terms and any dispute arising out of them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

Questions about these terms? Get in touch with the organising team via the support page before entering.