Spectators were thrilled to catch a fleeting glimpse of winning father and son team ‘Rusty Nuts’ at this year’s annual Richards Castle Soapbox Derby.

Marc and Rocco Wojtanowski from Hereford swiped first place in the derby’s mixed-age category (adult and child), with their driving responsibilities shared with Monty and Hector Harrison from Norton Wood soapbox team ‘Two more Hillbilly Hooligans’.

Father of Monty and Hector Harrison, James, said “Both teams could not have competed without school friend and ace team mechanic Charlie Fowler,” or “our team principal Marc.”

Former contestants of the Richard's Castle Soapbox race admiring each other's handiwork. (Image: Kate Tudge)

“‘Two more Hillbilly Hooligans’ were competing in remembrance of their dear friend David Lee who won most innovative soapbox in 2016 under the name Hillbilly Hooligans.

“Both teams will definitely be competing next year as it is such a fabulous well organised day with plenty of activities to do and see,” said Mr Harrison.

2024’s event took place on Sunday, June 30 and was held on Hanway Common, drawing in crowds from miles away to see soapboxes zipping down the steep 50-metre descent on the 550-metre course.

The Soap Box Derby website warns “this is not indicative of the gradient of parts of the course,” however. “In places it is much steeper, and participants can expect to reach 30-40mph."

Soapbox team 'Hell's Angels' speeding down the 50m incline.Soapbox team 'Hell's Angels' speeding down the 50 metre incline. (Image: Kate Tudge)

An army of 50 volunteers from the Richard’s Castle area always work hard to organise the high-octane annual race to fundraise for the local area. Mr Humphrey Salwey, chair of the committee for the last 20 years, explains they “are indebted to our small committee and team of local helpers, without whom the event could never take place.”

Year after year the volunteers turn up to help with jobs, from putting up roadside signs a few weeks before the event, to helping with car parking, baking cakes for the tea tent, litter picking, selling raffle tickets, manning the entry gate, or acting as marshals on the day to ensure the cart drivers and crowds are safe.

Every year the event raises over £10,000 for local charities, this time fundraising for Kyrebrook Daycare centre in Tenbury, Ludlow Community First Responders, and Richards Castle Village Hall.