2026 Kendall Soapbox Derby in Bend Oregon2026-02-26T15:18:08-07:00
2026 Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby in Bend, Oregon
2023 Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby in Bend, Oregon
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ENTRY & RACE RULES
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TEAMS & BENEFICIARIES
September 12th, 2026 | 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 fifth 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 where engineering meets adrenaline while supporting our local charities. Build a gravity-powered Soapbox car, choose a theme, and identify what nonprofit you will be splitting your prize money with.

The Soapbox Derby is a motorless car race; the cars only accelerate with the help of gravity. The slope of the hill helps propel the cars around corners or through obstacles without using an engine or motor. All soap box cars are built by teams, and each must have functioning brakes and steering. Teams are limited to 5 members total and two 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!

All are welcome! Nonprofit organizations, local businesses, high school teams, Kendall Auto teams, 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. Did we mention you can win up to $2500 for your team and a local nonprofit?

September 12th, 2026

(Teams Only) 11:00AM – 2:00PM: Soapbox Check-in!
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%.
EVENT OVERVIEW DOWNLOAD (PDF)

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 11th, 2026
4:00pm – 5:00pm Early check-in & viewing ONLY opportunity for teams to come by and see the 2026 course
Saturday, September 12th, 2026
(Teams Only) 11:00AM – 2:00PM: Soapbox Check-in!
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 – Time deductions granted for hitting features on the course!
    3. Bonus: Add in a performance before you start racing and earn bonus points

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

  1. Each team must sign a waiver before competing at check-in.
  2. Teams are limited to 5 members total on the course. Two team members maximum may sit in the car. The rest of the team members not driving can be pushers
    • Once the car is in motion, no jumping into the car is permitted; this includes the pushers.
  3. Each team will be allowed a push from the designated push zone at the start line. Any team members not in the Soapbox may push. Pushers may not 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.
    • We recommend testing your brakes in a variety of scenarios before you hit the race course!
    • You are required to test your brakes in front of our judges to show they are capable of stopping your kart before you are allowed on the track. Failure to do so will result in an immediate disqualification. Competitors are solely responsible for the safety and performance of their equipment. Brakes and equipment that is altered or damaged after check-in must be reported and reinspected before the kart will be allowed on the track.
  6. “Face-first” driving position is not allowed – head and body must stay in car.
    • Your face cannot extend past the front bumper of your car.
    • 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.
    • 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:

*We will be weighing and measuring all Soapboxes prior to racing

  • May not exceed 5 feet or 60 inches in width
  • May not exceed 10 feet or 120 inches in length
  • May not exceed 6 feet or 72 inches in height
  • May not exceed 300 pounds in weight (Soapbox only, this does not include weight of driver)
  • 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
  1. NEW IN 2026 – NO PUSH POLE or similar devices allowed.
  2. Luges or skateboards do NOT qualify as a derby car. Additionally, teams are not permitted to used skateboard or caster wheels.

  1. NO pyrotechnics, fire, fireworks, candy, ice, 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
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?2026-02-26T10:02:13-07:00

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

 

 

 

How can my team/organization make an impact?2026-02-26T10:03:09-07:00

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, enter your 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.

TEAMS & BENEFICIARIES

These are the participating teams and the beneficiaries they will be donating to.Check back soon to see the teams that are joining or register early to add your team here!

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