The first Aschen soapbox race thrills 500 spectators!

The first Aschen soapbox race thrills 500 spectators!

The first Aschen Soapbox Race, which took place on August 24, 2025, was extremely well received. Organized by eight dedicated members of the shooting club, the 237 meter long shooting street was transformed into an impressive race track. With an estimated 500 spectators attending the spectacle, the event was a resounding success. Some participants got creative and brought a total of 15 vehicles to the start, most of which were self-built.

The “Meat Junkies” team took victory with an outstanding time of 30.728 seconds. In second place were “Chop Shop Bening” and “Four Screws Loose,” both of which clocked a time of 31.981 seconds. The time measurement, which was carried out by Johannes Wienker using technology from the drone racing club FPV Lions Diepholz, ensured that the competition ran smoothly. Each participant had three runs, with the fastest time being counted.

A festival for young and old

The racing event was not only a competition, but also a big celebration for the whole family. For the younger visitors there was a large bouncy castle and various food options with coffee, cake, bratwurst and fries. The event was moderated by Friedrich Winkelmann, who accompanied the audience throughout the day in an entertaining way. The race was also broadcast live on a large screen, which made the atmosphere even more lively.

A special highlight was the award for the most original vehicles. The “Thirst Tanker” was awarded the “soapiest box”, while the “purple cow” in the shape of a cesspool took second place in this category. The rolling sofa from “Flotten Dreier” rounded off the three most original vehicles. Safety was a top priority: the road was secured with car tires and bales of straw, and helmets were required for drivers aged 18 and over.

A look into the future

Mayor Wilhelm Paradiek was enthusiastic about the response and the implementation of the soapbox race. He expressed his hope for a repeat event next year. Such events not only strengthen community cohesion, they are also really fun and bring people together.

For further insight into similar events, take a look at the soapbox race at Lousberg in Aachen, which took place on May 5, 2024. Here, 16 teams took part in an approximately 300 meter long route, reaching top speeds of up to 50 km/h. This event set new standards with creative obstacles and the first-time awarding of a creative prize to the “Flotti Karotti” team.

So the soapbox race is not just a test of speed, but also a platform for creativity and community. Here’s to a successful next year!