FAQ
Answers to the questions drivers, families and visitors ask most.
What is a soapbox car?
A small engineless four-wheeled vehicle, hand-built from wood, metal or salvaged materials. It runs on gravity alone, is steered with a wheel or handlebars and must brake on at least two wheels. No pedals, no chains — and plenty of imagination!
Who can take part in the race?
Anyone aged 10 or over on race day, solo or as a crew of two. Minors race with parental consent signed by both parents and under the supervision of their legal guardian, present all day. The field is limited to 30 cars.
How do I register, and how much does it cost?
Registration is done in advance by e-mail to caissesenfete@gmail.com: you receive the rules, put together your file (ID, third-party liability insurance, parental consent for minors) and pay €10 per car online. No race-day registration. Residents of Saint-Paul and the Fayence area get priority.
Do spectators have to pay?
No! Access to the village and the trackside is completely free. Refreshment stalls, food on site or to go, a funfair and entertainment await you all along the course.
Where do I park, how do I get there?
No parking on the village square on race day. Two free car parks await you: Parking du Tennis (tennis courts) and Parking de la Chapelle (chapel). Free shuttles run back and forth all day long to the heart of the festivities, place du Champ de Foire. Car-sharing is welcome!
How fast do the cars go?
It all depends on the slope and the car! On our 470 m course with an average 6.5% gradient, cars keep a reasonable pace — the spirit is festive and creative. In “speed-down” competitions elsewhere, some cars exceed 60 km/h, but that is not what the SaintPaulPosition is about.
What gear do drivers need?
A helmet is compulsory: full-face preferred, otherwise an open-face (jet) helmet with chin guard and goggles. A full-face helmet is compulsory for underage drivers, and bicycle helmets are not accepted. You also need finger-protecting gloves, long trousers, long sleeves and closed shoes. Knee and elbow pads are mandatory for minors. Everything is checked at morning scrutineering; if your helmet is not full-face, you will be asked to sign an addendum to the rules on the spot.
We've never built a soapbox car — can we get help?
Yes! Volunteers from the association who have raced before can advise you on the build, and a technical pre-check can be arranged two weeks before the race for local crews. Write to us at caissesenfete@gmail.com.
What happens if it rains?
Rain damages the straw bales that secure the course and makes the track slippery: the race may then be altered, postponed or cancelled, even during the day. Watch the news banner on this site and our social media on race day.
How do I vote for the Public's favourite prize?
On race day, right here on this website: the voting page opens during the event, free and with no account needed. Everyone picks one car and can change their mind while voting is open. Results are announced at the prize-giving.
Can I volunteer?
We'd love that! The event runs on volunteers: course safety, refreshments, set-up, entertainment… Leave your details on the “Volunteers” page and we will call you back.
Where can I see the cars up close?
On race morning, from 8 am, all the cars are on display at place du Champ de Foire during scrutineering. It is the perfect time to take photos and chat with the crews before the runs.