SIGN UP FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL KENDALL AUTO SOAPBOX DERBY – CENTRAL OREGON’S MOST CREATIVE RACE DAY
Get ready, Central Oregon! The 5th Annual Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby is rolling back into town on September 12th, 2026, and this year, it’s all about bringing your most creative, over-the-top, can’t-miss themes to life. Because while speed matters… let’s be honest, style steals the show. The Kendall Central Oregon team is thrilled to bring you the most exciting course yet, thanks to River’s Edge Golf Course and the beautiful venue we get to race, celebrate community, and enjoy the competition at. It’s going to be a full-throttle day of creativity, competition, and personality on wheels.
The Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby is a one-of-a-kind, motorless race where gravity does the work and creativity takes the wheel. Teams design and build their own soapbox cars from the ground up, bringing themes to life with everything from wild engineering to over-the-top costumes. Some are fast. Some are hilarious. The best are both. With corners, obstacles, and even a few jumps along the way, it’s equal parts engineering challenge and adrenaline rush.
But what truly makes this event unforgettable? The themes! This year, your total score is voted on by the design and creativity of your Soapbox plus how well it does on the racecourse. A true crowd favorite last year was a Toy Story inspired car, but we have to give honorable mentions to the Mario Kart crew, Despicable Me characters, and even Star Wars members. We cannot wait to see what our creative community comes up with this year, but first, check out some of the event details!
Beyond the fun, the Kendall Auto Soapbox Derby is all about creating meaningful impact in our community. Through Kendall Cares, up to $10,000 will be donated between the top three teams:
- 1st Place: up to $5,000
- 2nd Place: up to $3,000
- 3rd Place: up to $2,000
Each team selects a nonprofit beneficiary and donates at least 50% of their winnings, with the option to give even more. So yes—you’re racing for bragging rights… but also for something bigger.
Event Details
Who: Anyone can participate!
School teams, local businesses, nonprofits, or a group of friends and family—everyone is welcome. Teams are limited to 5 members, with 2 riders max per car.
School teams, local businesses, nonprofits, or a group of friends and family—everyone is welcome. Teams are limited to 5 members, with 2 riders max per car.
What: A gravity-powered soapbox race where teams build their own cars, complete with working brakes and steering (and we highly recommend suspension to handle the course!).
Where: River’s Edge Golf Course
The course winds through the stunning setting of the pro shop and The Edge restaurant, making it just as fun to watch as it is to race.
The course winds through the stunning setting of the pro shop and The Edge restaurant, making it just as fun to watch as it is to race.
When: September 12th, 2026
Entry Fee: Free
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