Klüsserath Soapbox Derby

The Klüsserath Soapbox Derby is one of the most remarkable sports and Volksfest (public festival) traditions of the Middle Mosel. Since 1983, it has taken place annually on the 3rd Sunday in May in Klüsserath – a wine village in the Trier-Saarburg district, also known for its exceptionally long main street. In 2026, the event falls on Sunday, May 17, and begins at 10:30 AM.

The racetrack leads down the Krainstraße towards the Moselvorland and offers a challenging but fair profile for children and teenagers of all ages. Participants compete in self-built or club-owned soapbox cars – the range extends from simple wooden constructions to aerodynamically sophisticated racing machines with club designs. Judging is done in classes based on age and car category.

Two trophies are the focus in 2026: the Römerstraße Trophy, awarded as a regional honor to the fastest participants in each class, and the qualification for the German Championship in soapbox derby. Klüsserath is thus one of the few races in Rhineland-Palatinate that directly count towards the German Championship qualification – a circumstance that attracts ambitious young drivers from all over the country each year.

The race is also a Volksfest (public festival) for the whole family. Along the track and in the Moselvorland, stalls offer Mosel wine, bratwurst, fries, and burgers. Clubs and community initiatives contribute to the day with stalls and activities. Admission is free; only food and drinks are paid for. The event is considered a significant image factor for Klüsserath and is one of the fixed spring dates for family outings in the region.