About

The 21st Annual Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby Returns to Rockingham County on May 30. The Rotary Club of Rockingham County is gearing up for an exhilarating event that promises to bring fun, excitement, and friendly competition to the community. The highly anticipated Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby is set to take place on May 30, 2026, bringing together participants of all ages for a day filled with fast-paced races and family-friendly entertainment. Organized by the Rotary Club, this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Soap Box Derby has become a beloved tradition in our community, attracting participants from across the region who display their engineering skills and love for speed on the racetrack. The Soap Box Derby is an opportunity for children and teenagers to design and construct their own gravity-powered cars. With creativity and precision, participants assemble their vehicles from a kit, customizing the outside, and refining factors such as weight, aerodynamics, and safety measures to ensure a thrilling yet secure race. The race will take place on Research Drive, which will be transformed into an exciting track for the event. Spectators can line the route to cheer on their favorite racers. The organizers have implemented various safety measures to ensure the well-being of all participants and attendees. In addition to the races, food and refreshments will be available for purchase. This offers an excellent opportunity for families across our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie. Registration for the Soap Box Derby is now open, and individuals or teams interested in participating can find more information and sign up on the official Rotary Soap Box Derby website at https://harrisonburg.soapboxderby.org. The last day for driver registration is May 5. For driving and racecar questions, please contact Thomas Rea at trea@bankofthejames.com or 540-239-0023.