GO Karts of all shapes, sizes and designs hurtled down the High Street for the eagerly anticipated Chippenham Soap Box Derby yesterday (June 3).


7,000 visitors cheered on 38 teams who raced their homemade karts in an attempt to win one of the six trophies on offer.


This community event brought together local schools, businesses and groups, and this year, the race was made even more entertaining as drivers had to navigate their way over ramps and around chichanes.


Super Mario hosted the 38 races, as everyone from Fred Flinstone and Cruella De Vil made their way to the finish line, hoping to be crowed the fastest soap box.


Mayor of Chippenham, Cllr Andy Phillips, said: "The most pleasing aspect was to see the town once again packed with hundreds of people of all ages enjoying themselves.


"Congratulations to the BID for their superb organisation of such a spectacular event that provided thrills, spills, excitement and entertainment.


"It was a great community event and certainly a big boost to the town's economy."


Kathryn Crosweller, of Chippenham Connected, added: "The effort the teams put into building their karts is extraordinary.


"They weren't allowed to use any prefabricated karts, so everything was built from the ground up.


"Giving the people of Chippenham a platform to be creative and bringing the town together is wonderful and this event is great fun for everyone involved."


Chippenham Connected hopes to bring the Soap Box Derby back again next year.

This year the winners were:

  • Most eye-catching: Hughes and Hughes Estate Agents

  • Best team effort: To Infinity and Beyond!

  • Wacky racer: The Captain's Log

  • Fastest business kart: Know What I Mean ARI

  • Eagle One trophy for fastest soap box: The Moonraker Rollers

  • Greatest youth kart: Chitty Chitty Birt Birt.