Soapbox Challenge Champions
NTU's Engineering Department Team took the gold medal in Nottingham's first Soapbox Challenge.
Published on 16 May 2025
Sunshine, cheering crowds and a need for speed set the scene in Old Market Square on Sunday 10 May, as teams from across the region gathered for Nottingham’s first-ever Super Soapbox Challenge — and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) came out on top.
Representing the School of Science and Technology, the NTU Racer team powered their way to first place, outperforming more than 35 competing teams in a thrilling day of innovation, teamwork and high-speed competition.
Turning engineering ideas into reality
Soapbox racing is a true test of engineering creativity. Teams design and build their own gravity-powered vehicles — with no engines — before tackling a fast, technical downhill course. Success depends not just on speed, but on precision design, problem-solving and the ability to perform under pressure.
For NTU students and staff, the challenge offered a chance to apply their skills beyond the classroom — transforming theory into a real-world project with tangible results.
“It was an amazing day and a real team effort. We tested, tweaked and rebuilt right up to the last minute, so to see it all come together on the track — and come away with the win — was incredibly rewarding.”
Alex Pratt, Technical Team Leader - Department of Engineering
A winning performance under pressure
The competition featured three heats before a final showdown between the fastest ten teams. NTU Racer entered the final as the team to beat, having recorded the quickest time of the day at 21.17 seconds.
In a nail-biting finish, they secured victory with a final run of 24.16 seconds, edging ahead of their closest rivals by just 0.61 seconds.
A team effort
The winning car was the result of collaborative design and engineering expertise, supported by a dedicated team of staff and students. On race day, teamwork was key, from launching the vehicle to supporting it along the course.
Behind the wheel was Alex Pratt, who also played a central role in building the racer. He was supported by technical staff and students, including postgraduate researchers and current engineering students — highlighting the collaborative, hands-on learning experience that defines NTU.
“This was a fantastic community event, showcasing Nottingham at its best. Our team of engineering colleagues and students worked closely together to apply their skills in a real, high‑pressured, very public environment. The creativity, technical expertise and teamwork shown by NTU Racers reflect exactly what our School of Science and Technology is all about.”
Professor Kirsty Smallbone, Executive Dean, School of Science and Technology
Learning beyond the lecture theatre
Events like the Super Soapbox Challenge showcase how NTU students gain real-world experience alongside their studies, building practical skills in design, teamwork and problem-solving that prepare them for future careers.
Celebrating success
Following their victory, the team were invited to the Council House balcony to receive medals and the winner’s trophy — a fitting end to a memorable day that celebrated engineering, creativity and community spirit.
Want to be part of it?
At NTU, you won’t just learn engineering — you’ll live it. From hands-on projects like this to live events and competitions, you’ll have opportunities to test your ideas, build your skills and achieve something extraordinary.