2025 Kendall Soapbox Derby in Bend Oregon2025-08-19T15:05:09-06:00
2023 Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby in Bend, Oregon
2023 Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby in Bend, Oregon
September 6th, 2025 | 2:00PM - 6:30PM | Bend, Oregon
DAYS UNTIL KENDALL SOAPBOX DERBY
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ABOUT KENDALL SOAPBOX DERBY

It’s time to build! Join Kendall Auto Group for the fourth annual Soapbox Derby at River’s Edge Golf Course! We are inviting our community, local businesses & nonprofit organizations, high school teams, and beyond to participate in an event benefiting our local charities. Build a gravity-powered Soapbox car, choose a theme, and identify what nonprofit you will be splitting your prize money with.

All are welcome! Nonprofit organizations, local businesses, high school teams, Kendall Auto team, friends & family, and beyond!
Not building a car? Come join us to support the teams competing, vote on your favorite cars, and enjoy food, drinks, and activities with your family and friends.

Grab some team members & build a gravity powered Soapbox car! You will be judged on the design & creativity of the car, and how fast you make it down the hill. Lastly, choose a beneficiary you will split your prize money with.

September 6th, 2025 | 12:00PM – 6:30PM

11:00AM – 2:00PM: Soapbox Check-in! (Teams Only)
12:00PM – 2:00PM: Kendall Car Show on Hole #1
2:00PM – 3:00PM: Soapbox Car Show & Spectator Judging | Food, Bars, & Activities begin!
3:00PM – 5:30PM: Time Trials & Racing
5:30PM – 6:30PM: Awards & Celebration

River’s Edge Golf Course
400 NW Pro Shop Dr, Bend, OR, 97703

The Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby was designed to create memorable & impactful experiences for our community while giving back to our local nonprofit organizations. Kendall Cares will be donating up to $10,000 between the top 3 teams (Up to $5000 for 1st, up to $3000 for 2nd, and up to $2000 for 3rd) *. Teams are required to choose a beneficiary that they will donate 50% of their winnings to and can choose to keep or donate the other 50%.

*Kendall will be putting $500 in the prize pot per car entered. Encourage your friends to compete and watch the prize money go up!

SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 6th
11:00AM – 2:00PM: Soapbox Check-in! (Teams Only)
12:00PM – 2:00PM: Kendall Car Show on Hole #1
2:00PM – 3:00PM: Soapbox Car Show & Spectator Judging | Food, Bars, & Activities begin!
3:00PM – 5:30PM: Time Trials & Racing
5:30PM – 6:30PM: Awards & Celebration

Check out the cars from our previous Soapbox Derbies!

PARTICIPATE

Step 1: Grab your team & choose a theme.

Step 2: Fill out the entry form.

Step 3: Build it!

Step 4: Choose your nonprofit beneficiary.

Step 5: Show up and win all the glory!

Your total score will be based on:

    1. The design and creativity of your car, judged by the spectators
    2. Time – We will start with a time trial and seed the teams after that
    3. Bonus: Add in a performance before you start racing and earn bonus points for your overall score

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Kendall Cares will be donating $10,000 between the top 3 teams. At least 50% of your winnings must go to your chosen nonprofit, and your team can choose to keep or donate the other 50%.

First place – $5000
Second Place – $3000
Third Place – $2000

*Kendall will be putting $500 in the prize pot per car entered. Encourage your friends to compete, and watch the prize money go up!

  1. NO pyrotechnics, fire, fireworks, candy, ice, soapy water, oil, or anything that may cause a dangerous track, may be thrown from the car at any time.
  2. NO smoke, chalk, mirror, or vision-impairing props.
  3. NO Alcohol – drinking & driving do not mix.
  4. NO texting or operating a cell phone while driving.
1. Each team must sign a waiver before competing at check-in.
2. Teams are limited to 5 members total on the course. Three team members maximum may sit in the car. The rest of the team members who are not driving can be pushers in the push zone at the start.

a. Once the car is in motion, no jumping into the car is permitted; this includes the pushers.

3. Each team will be allowed a 10-yd push at the start line by one designated pusher. The pusher cannot step over the start line.
4. Cars must be gravity-powered. No kinetics, wind, propulsion, engines, or other means of acceleration are allowed.
5. Cars must have functional brakes.

a. We recommend testing your brakes in a variety of scenarios before you hit the race course!
b. Your brakes will be tested by Kendall Auto technicians; cars that are deemed unsafe will not be allowed to compete (You are welcome to bring them into our dealership and test a week before the derby).

6. “Face-first” driving position is not allowed – head and body must stay in car.

a. Your face cannot extend past the front bumper of your car.
b. Steering controls must be in front of all members inside the car (drivers and passengers).

7. Helmets are required. No bike helmets allowed, these must be DOT or motorcycle style helmets for your safety.
8. Arms and legs must remain in the car at all times.
9. NO exposed sharp edges are allowed.

a. Sheet metal edges must be folded over or hemmed

10. Cars must have at least two wheels in contact with the track at all times.
11. Maximum car dimensions – :

a. May not exceed 5 feet or 60 inches in width
b. May not exceed 10 feet or 120 inches in length
c. May not exceed 6 feet or 72 inches in height
d. May not exceed 300 pounds in weight (Soapbox only, this does not include weight of driver) * All Soapbox cars will be weighed prior to time trials
e. If you would like us to tow your car back to the top of the hill between runs, please add some sort of tow attachment

12. You can have a push pole but it cannot exceed 10 feet.
13. Luges or skateboards do NOT qualify as a derby car. Additionally, teams are not permitted to use skateboard or caster wheels.

How do I build a DIY Soapbox Car?2023-08-21T12:03:02-06:00

DIY Soap Box

Where can I see what a soapbox race looks like?2025-04-10T15:34:25-06:00

Check out our two previous Soapbox Derby highlights and these other fun soapbox car videos

 

 

 

How can my team/organization make an impact?2024-06-03T07:10:25-06:00

• If you are a nonprofit, grab your volunteers & build a Soapbox! With this option, your organization keeps 100% of the proceeds for the resources and initiatives you support our community with
• If you are not a nonprofit, build a team and choose the beneficiary you are competing on behalf of. Split your earnings with the organization you would like to support. If you are not sure who you would like to support, reach out to the contact provided below.

BENEFICIARIES

These are the participating teams and the beneficiaries they will be donating to. Check back soon to see the teams that are joining!

Every Kid Sports

TEAM 1: TOYS ON THE TRACK

Organization: Kendall Ford of Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: Every Kid Sports

Every Kid Sports provides youth sports grants to kids from income-restricted families so that they too can experience the positive benefits of playing. EKS help kids play youth sports through The Every Kid Sports Pass, which means through donors & partners, they pay, and the kids play.

Learn More: https://everykidsports.org/

Chaos Theory

TEAM 2: CHAOTIC SPEED DEMONS

Organization: Summit HS Robotics / Chaos Theory
Nonprofit Competing For: Summit HS Robotics Booster Club

About Chaos Theory: Our program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about engineering & technology in a hands-on and fun environment. The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program’s mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by directly involving students in designing, modeling, building, and operating robots in competition. 100% of Booster Club revenue is given to the Team. Chaos Theory is primarily supported by our Booster Club, so we encourage you to donate to it, rather than give directly.

Learn More: https://summitrobotics.com/

Chaos Theory

TEAM 3: ROBOTICS MAYHEM

Organization: Summit HS Robotics / Chaos Theory
Nonprofit Competing For: Summit HS Robotics Booster Club

About Chaos Theory: Our program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about engineering & technology in a hands-on and fun environment. The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program’s mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by directly involving students in designing, modeling, building, and operating robots in competition. 100% of Booster Club revenue is given to the Team. Chaos Theory is primarily supported by our Booster Club, so we encourage you to donate to it, rather than give directly.

Learn More: https://summitrobotics.com/

Think Wild

TEAM 4: Team SCOOFA

Organization: B2 BOYZ BUILDERS & CREATIONS LLC
Nonprofit Competing For: Think Wild

Think Wild is a Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center for Central Oregon. Their mission is to inspire the High Desert Community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation. Check out their website to learn more about recent wildlife patients, education programs and outreach, and ways you can get involved!

Learn More: https://www.thinkwildco.org/

Uplay Disc Golf

TEAM 5: THE COASTERS

Organization: N/A
Nonprofit Competing For: Uplay Disc Golf

Uplay specializes in using the JOY of disc golf to promote health & well-being and enhance communities all over the world! Their mission is to provide education and support for healthier lifestyles through the sport of Disc Golf. Watch out for upcoming events and Uplay programs, that currently support over 18,000 children ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old.

Learn More: https://www.thinkwildco.org/

Soapbox Derby

TEAM 6: HIGH DESERT DROIDS

Organization: Mountain View High School Robotics
Nonprofit Competing For: Jackson Edwards Memorial Sponsorship Fund

The High Desert Droids are a high school robotics team from Mountain View that participates in the FIRST FRC competition. They are competing on behalf of Jackson Edwards Memorial Sponsorship Fund – more information to come!
KIDS Center

TEAM 7: DAS AUTO SQUAD

Organization: Kendall Volkswagen of Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: KIDS Center

KIDS Center believes in a world without child abuse. KIDS Center is the only child abuse evaluation and treatment center in Central Oregon. They provide life-changing services to help kids and families overcome the devastating effects of child abuse. They also provide curriculum and training so everyone in our community can help keep kids safe.

Learn More: https://www.kidscenter.org/

Bicycle Resource of Bend

TEAM 8: DESPICABLY FAST

Organization: Kendall Ford of Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: Bicycle Resource of Bend

Often times, a bike is a person’s only form of transportation. Bicycle Resource of Bend is a hub for donating, rebuilding, refurnishing, and donating back again to our communities in need. They have a dedicated staff and volunteers that take the remaining unusable parts and either recycle or donate them. If you’d like to pop by the shop, they are open from 9:00am to noon Sundays!

Learn More: https://bicycleresourceofbend.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 9: GENERAL LEE

Organization: Kendall Toyota of Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington provides access to medical care, a home away from home, and a community of support for seriously ill or injured children and their families. The mission of RMHC is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Guiding us in our mission are our core values: Lead with compassion. Focus on the critical needs of children.

Learn More: https://rmhcoregon.org/bend-house/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 10: MAD MAX

Organization: Kendall Toyota of Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: Furnish Hope

Furnish Hope transforms empty houses into furnished homes for those in need, including veterans, recovering graduates and unhoused individuals, natural disaster victims, foster youth and families, and so much more. Furnish Hope works with partner agencies to support individuals and families in need, with an incredible team of volunteers and community supporters.

Learn More: https://www.furnishhope.com/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 11: THE LUG BOLTS

Organization: Porsche Bend
Nonprofit Competing For: Street Dog Hero

Street Dog Hero supports dogs in need around the world and their communities through rescue, adoption, wellness, spay/neuter, and education. SDH envisions a world where all dogs are healthy, safe, cared for, and wanted. To see upcoming adoption events and all the great work they are doing, please visit their website!

Learn More: https://www.streetdoghero.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 12: ROVER25

Organization: Family & Friends!
Nonprofit Competing For: Summit HS Robotics Booster Club

Our program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about engineering & technology in a hands-on and fun environment. The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program’s mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by directly involving students in designing, modeling, building, and operating robots in competition. 100% of Booster Club revenue is given to the Team. Chaos Theory is primarily supported by our Booster Club, so we encourage you to donate to it, rather than give directly.

Learn More: https://summitrobotics.com/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 13: Rolling Sit Skis!

Organization: Oregon Adaptive Sports
Nonprofit Competing For: Oregon Adaptive Sports

Oregon Adaptive Sports envisions a day when every person with a disability has access to the benefits of outdoor recreation. They create access to high quality outdoor recreation experiences to individuals with disabilities, including programs such as cycling, golf, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Their programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of populations with different skill levels from first time to elite athletes.

Learn More: https://oregonadaptivesports.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 14: Always Truckin'

Organization: Specialized Transfer, LLC

Nonprofit Competing For: The Bethlehem Inn

Bethlehem Inn is a community-supported, high barrier emergency shelter that provides a warm, safe place to sleep, nourishing meals, and case management services for adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. This life-saving and life-changing work could NOT be done without the generosity of this community.

Learn More: https://bethleheminn.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 15: Fossil Fuel

Organization: Mercedes-Benz of Bend

Nonprofit Competing For: Bend-La Pine Education Foundation

About Bend-La Pine Education Foundation: The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is a nonprofit comprised of parents, community leaders, educators, and citizens show share the belief that a vibrant school system is essential to the social and economic well-being of our community. Their organization prepares students for success and the future through exceptional and extracurricular opportunities.

Learn More: https://www.blpedfoundation.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 16: Prinetucky Bussters

Organization: Kendall Ford of Prineville

Nonprofit Competing For: Battle Buddies of Central Oregon

About Battle Buddies of Central Oregon: Battle Buddies of Central Oregon is an all-volunteer staff of patriotic citizens dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicide. Their mission is to prevent suicide through canine companionship and training. These services are free to veterans, where they use training as therapy and partner with a network of trainers to offer various types of basic and advanced training.

Learn More: https://battlebuddiesco.org/

River’s Edge Golf Course

TEAM 17: The Rad Racers

Organization: Smith Rock BMX

Nonprofit Competing For: Smith Rock BMX

Redmond Family Bicycle Park, dba Smith Rock BMX, exists to enhance the lives of children, adults, and families through exercise and community. Their mission is to provide a safe and fun environment where everyone gets the most from BMX racing to guide them in a positive direction. To learn more about upcoming races, please check out their social media pages!

Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/BMXSmithRock/

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