Drivers descend on Apex Drive at Mt Clarence for annual Australian Soapbox Championships

With no engines and plenty of nerve, drivers will take on the steep descent of Apex Drive on Mt Clarence on Saturday as the National Soapbox Championships roll into Albany.

For 64 years, soapbox racing has been a much loved and highly anticipated event on the Albany calendar as it brings together young competitors aged 6 to 17 to showcase their skill, determination and need for speed.

This year’s event is expected to be highly competitive with participants from Perth travelling to Albany to compete amongst the locals.

The senior division is shaping up to be an exciting part of the competition with 2025 champion Tom North returning to defend his title against the 2024 winner Saleem McNaught.

Also in the mix are strong contenders Lara Curtis and Aaleyah Curtis who are proving the girls can match it with the best, alongside rising seniors Jessie Harper and Henry Specht who are all battling for the top spot.

In the junior division, Jack North and Bella Specht are expected to go head-to-head in what promises to be a exciting battle for first place.

Racing will begin at 9am, with the top 12 competitors announced at noon.

After lunch the top qualifiers will return to the track, competing through to the finals to determine the top four races of the day.

The championship is open to the public and organisers welcome all past and present competitors, families and community members to come and experience the racing excitement first hand.

The competition is set to have a strong field of talented young races this year and is expected to be a standout event for Albany’s Soapbox racing.